By News18
The inaugural edition of the 鈥楴eeraj Chopra Classic 2025鈥 is set to bring together a stellar line-up of world-class javelin talent from India and across the globe. Scheduled for July 5, 2025, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, the event marks a significant milestone in Indian athletics. As a World Athletics-sanctioned Gold-level meet, the 鈥楴eeraj Chopra Classic 2025鈥 becomes India鈥檚 first-ever international javelin competition, firmly placing the nation on the global athletics map. The event is officially sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
In the lead-up to the competition, a press conference was held today featuring Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, India鈥檚 promising javelin thrower Sachin Yadav, Germany鈥檚 Thomas R枚hler, and Kenya鈥檚 Julius Yego. Speaking at the conference, Neeraj and the athletes expressed their collective optimism and commitment to delivering a world-class competition鈥攐ne that aims to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes and elevate the profile of javelin in the country.
鈥淚t feels great that such an event is happening in India and that such good athletes have come here to compete together. I am very excited for this event. Organising and playing together is tough. I have always focused on playing, but now I have to take care of everything. As an organiser, I have to think about all these small things. I like it. Thank you to the Karnataka Government and everyone supporting us. A big thank you to the JSW team for their support鈥攖hey are working very hard with us,鈥 Neeraj Chopra said, emphasizing the significance of the event.
Thomas R枚hler, the German javelin star, added, 鈥淲e are thankful just to be here. For us international athletes, I think it is a pleasure and a joy to come to a country that is really on the rising edge of javelin. So, it is also a special moment for all of us. It was not difficult at all [to decide on playing the 鈥楴eeraj Chopra Classic鈥橾. We got in touch about the meeting quite early in the season. I was like, 鈥榊es, I鈥檓 going to do it.鈥 For me, it鈥檚 quite a special year鈥攃oming back on the bigger stages after years of troubles and injuries. So, I was like, 鈥榊es, I鈥檓 going to take this opportunity.鈥
Reflecting on the opportunity to learn and grow from this experience, Sachin Yadav said: 鈥淔irst of all, I would like to thank Neeraj for inviting me to this competition. I am very excited to play. The world鈥檚 best players are here, and I will be competing with them鈥攖hat too, in India. I am feeling very good to be part of this historic event. When I got the message, I couldn鈥檛 believe it was Neeraj who had invited me to the competition. I felt very proud.鈥
Julius Yego, the Kenyan javelin champion, added: 鈥淔irstly, I want to say thank you to India for supporting [Neeraj] Chopra in this initiative. You might see it as a small event, but it is actually very big. You know, when I was growing up, we thought of javelin as a European event. It is no longer confined to one region. With Neeraj coming up with this initiative, the event has grown even bigger. When my manager informed me about this event by Neeraj Chopra, the next thing I said was, 鈥榊es, I have to go to India because Chopra is my good friend.鈥 The rest is history.鈥
The 鈥楴eeraj Chopra Classic 2025鈥 is set to showcase a world-class line-up of elite javelin throwers from across the globe, with athletes from Germany, Brazil, Sri Lanka, the USA, the Czech Republic, Poland, and India. Adding to the excitement, the event will also feature a spectacular light show and live music performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere for all in attendance.
As the countdown to the 鈥楴eeraj Chopra Classic 2025鈥 continues, anticipation is building among fans. With a high-calibre roster and an immersive event experience, the competition promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence鈥攁 must-watch for sports fans across the nation.
Date: July 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM IST onwards
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
Where to buy tickets?
https://www.district.in/events/neeraj-chopra-classic-2025-may24-2025-buy-tickets
Where to watch?
TV: Star Sports 1 Hindi and Star Sports 2; OTT: JioHotstar