Bengaluru : Bengaluru is set to witness a historic moment in Indian athletics as the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic unfolds at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on July 5. The event marks India’s first-ever international javelin competition of this scale and the country’s debut as a host of a World Athletics Gold-level meet.
Named after India’s Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, the Classic will bring together 12 of the world’s top javelin throwers. Chopra himself headlines the field, joined by Germany’s Thomas Röhler, Kenya’s Julius Yego, USA’s Curtis Thompson, and other elite names. While Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, another Olympic medalist, withdrew to focus on the Asian Championships, the line-up remains one of the strongest ever assembled in India.
The stadium has undergone a comprehensive makeover, with new spectator stands, hospitality boxes, a performance stage, and re-laid turf to meet international standards. Karnataka’s government, the Karnataka Olympic Association, and JSW Sports collaborated to transform the venue into a world-class arena.At a press interaction, Chopra called the event a “dream come true,” underscoring how vital such competitions are for inspiring young athletes. He expressed his wish to see the Indian flag raised on home soil, describing the meet as a new chapter for Indian track and field.
Alongside Chopra, India’s rising javelin talents — Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Yashvir Singh, and Sahil Silwal — will aim to showcase their progress against seasoned international rivals. The competition also offers fans the chance to experience a stadium atmosphere rarely seen in Indian athletics.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1 (Hindi), Star Sports 2, JioCinema, and Hotstar. In-stadium tickets start at ₹299, with the first throws scheduled for 7 PM IST on Saturday.
This event is not only about medals and records — it is a statement of intent. As Chopra himself put it, India is ready to take its place among the world’s athletics powerhouses.
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