Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist and javelin superstar, is giving back to the nation by hosting an international javelin competition. Named the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic), this event promises to bring some of the best javelin throwers in the world to Bengaluru. The one-day event will be held on May 24, 2024, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Organizers first planned the event at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, but shifted it to Bengaluru due to poor lighting. Neeraj explained, “Panchkula had only 600 lux lighting, but we needed higher levels for proper broadcasting.”
Invitation to Arshad Nadeem
Neeraj has invited Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, a Paris Olympic gold medalist and long-time rival. The two share a competitive yet friendly relationship. However, Arshad has not yet confirmed his participation.
Neeraj explained, “I spoke to Arshad, and he said he would discuss it with his coach before deciding. Since his participation involves government clearances, we will know the final list once everything is confirmed.”
Top Athletes Confirm Participation
International stars have already shown strong interest in the NC Classic. Double world champion Anderson Peters from Grenada and Olympic gold medalist Thomas Roehler from Germany have confirmed their participation. Julius Yego, Rio Olympics silver medalist from Kenya, and Curtis Thompson, the current world leader from the USA, also plan to compete.
Neeraj invited several Indian athletes to the event. Rohit Yadav confirmed his participation, and three to four Indian javelin throwers will join, showcasing local talent alongside global stars.
Hosted in Collaboration with JSW Sports
Neeraj and JSW Sports are organizing the NC Classic together. India will host a world-class javelin competition of this scale for the first time. World Athletics has granted the event Category A status, adding to its prestige.
Speaking from Potchefstroom, South Africa, where he trains with coach Jan Zelezny, Neeraj shared his excitement. He said, “I want to give back to the country and inspire young athletes through this event. Fans will get a chance to witness top-level javelin action in India.”
Karnataka Backs the Event
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah offered strong support for the event. After a positive conversation with him, Neeraj confirmed Bengaluru as the host city. Organizers chose the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for its top-notch facilities, ensuring a smooth experience for both athletes and spectators.
A Milestone for Indian Athletics
The NC Classic is set to be a landmark event for Indian athletics. It will not only showcase global talent but also inspire the next generation of Indian athletes. With Neeraj Chopra leading the charge, the competition aims to put India on the map as a host for elite sporting events.
Fans can look forward to witnessing intense action and unparalleled talent. The Neeraj Chopra Classic is a celebration of athletic excellence and a testament to Neeraj’s enduring legacy. Stay informed with News Trendzs for the latest updates! Catch the latest sports news in-depth analysis from around the world.
