Bengaluru, July 5, 2025 : India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra scripted another memorable chapter in his illustrious career, winning the first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru with a commanding throw of 86.18 metres. The event, held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, was India’s first international javelin competition at the prestigious World Athletics Gold level.
Despite swirling winds and the added pressure of competing at a meet bearing his own name, Chopra delivered on expectations. His winning mark came on the third attempt and proved unassailable for a strong field that featured global medalists. Kenya’s Julius Yego, an Olympic silver medallist, finished second with a best throw of 84.51 metres, while Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage secured third place with 84.34 metres.
Speaking after his victory, Chopra admitted it was a special but challenging evening. “It was mentally very tough today because all eyes were on me,” he said. “My family was here, and it felt different from competing abroad. But the support from the crowd kept me going.”
The competition also showcased the depth of Indian talent in men’s javelin. Young thrower Sachin Yadav narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a strong effort over 82 metres. Yashvir Singh, Sahil Silwal, and Rohit Yadav also delivered respectable performances, underlining the country’s growing presence in the event.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic marked an important step toward Chopra’s vision of developing an athletics culture in India. By bringing world-class throwers to compete on home soil, he hopes to inspire more youngsters to take up the sport and to create a calendar of elite competitions in the country.
Earlier this season, Chopra crossed the 90-metre barrier for the first time with a massive 90.23-metre throw at the Doha Diamond League, consolidating his status among the sport’s greats. His consistency throughout 2025 has made him the undisputed leader in javelin heading into the World Championships later this year.
Saturday’s event not only celebrated Chopra’s own achievements but also signalled the start of a new era for Indian athletics—one where homegrown champions can host and dominate world-class competitions on their own turf.
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