The inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic is set to take place on May 24, 2025, at the iconic Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. This premier javelin-only competition, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold level, promises to be a landmark event in Indian athletics, bringing together some of the world’s top javelin throwers.
A Stellar Lineup
The event boasts a formidable lineup of international and Indian athletes:
- Neeraj Chopra 🇮🇳: India’s Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion, Chopra will headline the event, aiming to inspire a new generation of athletes.
- Anderson Peters 🇬🇩: The two-time world champion from Grenada, known for his explosive throws, will be a key contender.
- Thomas Röhler 🇩🇪: Germany’s 2016 Olympic gold medalist brings experience and a personal best of 93.90m.
- Julius Yego 🇰🇪: Kenya’s 2015 world champion and Olympic silver medalist, Yego is renowned for his unique self-taught technique.
- Curtis Thompson 🇺🇸: The American javelin thrower, with a personal best of 87.70m, adds depth to the competition.
- Luiz Mauricio da Silva 🇧🇷: Representing Brazil, da Silva is a rising talent in the javelin circuit.
- Genki Dean 🇯🇵: Japan’s Asian Games bronze medalist, Dean brings a wealth of experience to the field.
- Rumesh Pathirage 🇱🇰: Sri Lanka’s emerging javelin star, Pathirage is eager to make his mark on the international stage.
Indians to Watch: The 80m Club Contenders
India’s rise in javelin continues beyond Neeraj, with Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal bringing depth and intrigue to the home contingent.
- Sachin Yadav (PB: 84.39m) has been the find of the season. The 25-year-old won gold at both the Federation Cup and Uttarakhand National Games, and has booked his spot for the upcoming Asian Championships. With form and momentum on his side, Sachin could be the breakout performer of the meet.
- Rohit Yadav (PB: 83.40m) returns from injury and surgery, showing glimpses of his old self. While his recent 76.37m at the Federation Cup was below par, he remains one of India’s most talented javelin throwers. A strong performance here would boost his confidence ahead of a busy season.
- Sahil Silwal (PB: 81.81m) continues to grow in stature. The 24-year-old won bronze at the Federation Cup with 77.84m and has proven himself at the National Inter-State level. He’ll look to break into the mid-80s at this elite gathering.
Event Significance
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to India’s growing prominence in the world of athletics. By hosting a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, India showcases its capability to organize world-class sporting events, potentially paving the way for future Diamond League meetings in the country.
Chopra’s vision for the event is clear: to inspire young athletes and elevate the standard of javelin throwing in India. “It’s always been a dream of mine to see India host a world-class athletic event. To have such an event, that too named after me, feels surreal,” Chopra expressed.
From Panchkula to Bengaluru: A Change of Plans
Originally scheduled for Panchkula, the event was moved to Bengaluru due to technical issues with stadium floodlights. But the shift to the Kanteerava Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere, may prove to be a blessing in disguise — especially with southern India’s growing fanbase for athletics.
Looking Ahead
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is poised to become an annual fixture in the global athletics calendar, with plans to expand and include more disciplines in the future. For now, all eyes are on Bengaluru as it prepares to host some of the finest javelin talent from around the world.
This event not only celebrates the achievements of Neeraj Chopra but also marks a significant step forward for Indian athletics on the global stage.
