Some of the most important names in world javelin together with two-time world champion Anderson Peters, present World chief Curtis Thompson, 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler and former world champion Julius Yego shall be in motion on the Neeraj Chopra Classic on the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 24.
The occasion, initially scheduled to be held on the Tau Devi Lal Complex in Panchkula, was compelled to be shifted as a result of technical points together with minimal lighting necessities from World Athletics and worldwide broadcasters. The largest draw, nonetheless, will stay the person after whom it’s named – Neeraj Chopra.
“It was a long-held dream. Whenever I went overseas to take part, I noticed occasions and the way individuals got here to help athletes and luxuriate in and thought if we might do one thing comparable in India. I spoke to my coach (Jan Zelezny) and coaching companions and another athletes they usually thought it might be good to call it after me. I’m additionally impressed by different comparable occasions — Mondo Classic (Armand Duplantis), Kip Keino Classic and Keely Klassic (Keely Hodgkinson). Now it’s lastly occurring, I’m enthusiastic about it,” Chopra stated in an interplay from his coaching base in Potchefstroom in South Africa.
There can even be different European athletes and a minimum of 3-4 Indians collaborating with the names step by step being finalised. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has additionally been invited. “It is a World Athletics Category-A occasion so it will likely be very useful for Indians to get rating factors for the World Championships. We have spoken to Arshad additionally like everybody else however there isn’t a affirmation but. We will maintain everybody up to date,” Chopra defined.
From being simply an athlete to a legend to now the pressure behind bringing residence India’s first actual world-class athletics occasion, Neeraj has damaged new grounds. His goals, nonetheless, are a lot greater. “Whenever individuals requested what was left to attain, nobody together with me considered one thing like this however that is maybe the subsequent step that was someplace behind my thoughts. The medals I’ve gained are at residence however I believe that is one of the best ways I may give one thing again to the nation and Indian athletics, one thing that shall be for everybody.
“As an athlete, I used to be solely focussed on coaching and restoration however now I’m utterly concerned on this, getting out of my consolation zone. Earlier it was much more hands-on when the occasion was deliberate in Panchkula as a result of it’s my residence floor, now there may be the complete JSW group dealing with it so it’s a lot simpler.
“Earlier, it was merely about turning up on the floor; now, I’m even checking whether or not the health club and washrooms are okay, the meals, motels, grass and monitor high quality, javelins and altering room, all the pieces! We are working to offer everybody the most effective expertise potential, present the international athletes Indian hospitality and unfold the phrase,” he hoped.
“It will solely be males’s javelin throw this time round however going ahead, we plan to make it a lot larger with extra monitor and discipline occasions added that includes among the largest names in world athletics,” Neeraj declared. Clearly, the person doesn’t dream small.
Published – April 21, 2025 06:22 pm IST
