Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra once again delivered when it mattered most, clinching gold at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 with a best throw of 86.18m.
The meet, held at the buzzing Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, was India’s first-ever World Athletics-sanctioned Gold-level competition, marking a significant milestone for Indian track and field.
The event, jointly organised by Chopra and JSW Sports, brought together a high-quality international field and a passionate home crowd and the 27-year-old hero did not disappoint.
Responding to Pressure, Like a Champion
Chopra’s winning throw came in his third attempt after a dramatic shift in competition dynamics. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage had temporarily seized the lead with an impressive 84.34m throw in the same round, creating tension in the stands and a momentary hush over the stadium. Chopra, however, responded in trademark style.
Launching the javelin with smooth precision and explosive power, he turned around and began celebrating even before the javelin landed — a rare sight of confidence from the usually composed thrower. Moments later, the scoreboard confirmed what he already sensed: 86.18m. The Kanteerava erupted in celebration.
Yego Rolls Back the Years, Pathirage Impresses
Former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya, now 36, showed he still belongs on the elite stage. His 84.51m throw in the fourth round edged past Pathirage to secure silver, while the young Sri Lankan had to settle for bronze with his earlier mark of 84.34m.
Yego’s comeback performance delighted fans of the sport, many of whom still remember his heroics from the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. For Pathirage, it was a major breakthrough, placing him firmly on the radar of the international circuit.
Drama from the Start
The evening began with tension as Chopra fouled his first attempt, while Yego took an early lead with 79.97m. Chopra, known for his ability to rise under pressure, bounced back quickly with 82.99m in his second attempt to take the top spot, prompting loud cheers from the packed stands.
However, the competition intensified quickly. Pathirage launched his best attempt in Round 3, briefly snatching the lead and silencing the crowd only for Chopra to raise the roof moments later with his record throw.
Indian Contingent Shows Depth
While Chopra took top honours, there were promising performances from the Indian contingent as well. Sachin Yadav, who finished fourth, managed a credible 82.33m, and Yashvir Singh recorded 79.65m, both advancing to the final eight.
Yadav was in the medal mix for much of the evening until Yego’s season-best fourth-round throw pushed him out of podium contention. Still, his consistency and poise against a world-class field will surely boost his confidence ahead of future competitions.
Rohler Falters in Windy Conditions
Among the high-profile names, Thomas Röhler, the 2016 Olympic champion from Germany, endured a disappointing evening. The 33-year-old failed to progress past the first three rounds, managing a best of only 75.85m in his first attempt and fouling the next two. The windy conditions clearly disrupted his rhythm, and the German was seen shaking his head in frustration as his night ended early.
“Wasn’t the Distance I Wanted” — Neeraj Reflects
Despite the victory, Chopra was candid in his post-event reflections.
“I wasn’t very happy with the distance, to be honest,” he said.
“The wind was quite heavy, and I felt a lot of pressure coming here. I had already competed in two international events recently, so physically and mentally it was a challenge. But I’m happy to have delivered in front of the home crowd.”
Chopra also expressed pride in seeing such a world-class meet unfold in India.
“To have so many international athletes compete here, and to have the crowd turn up like this — it’s a dream come true. I hope this is just the beginning. I want to host many more events like this in India,” he added.
A New Era for Indian Athletics
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is more than just a javelin event it is a signal that India is now ready to host world-class track and field competitions. With full backing from JSW Sports, the event represents a shift in vision: not just sending athletes abroad to train, but bringing the best of global sport home.
The successful conduct of the event, packed crowds, and top-tier competition will no doubt encourage further investments and inspire a new generation of Indian athletes.
Final Standings – Men’s Javelin Throw, Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025:
1.Neeraj Chopra (India) – 86.18m 🥇
2.Julius Yego (Kenya) – 84.51m 🥈
3.Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka) – 84.34m 🥉
4.Sachin Yadav (India) – 82.33m
5.Yashvir Singh (India) – 79.65m
6.Andrian Mardare (Moldova) – 78.92m
7.Oliver Helander (Finland) – 78.10m
8.Thomas Röhler (Germany) – 75.85m
As the sun set over the Kanteerava Stadium, Neeraj Chopra stood tall a national icon, a champion, and now the face behind India’s premier athletics meet. With his javelin soaring far and his vision for Indian sport taking shape, Chopra’s legacy continues to grow one throw at a time.
