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Neeraj Chopra Classic Secures Global Talent for Bengaluru Debut

The first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic, a World Athletics Gold event, will feature top javelin throwers on May 24, 2025, in Bengaluru, with Pakistani Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem's participation still unconfirmed.

Paris 2024 Olympics - Athletics - Men's Javelin Throw Final - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - August 08, 2024. Neeraj Chopra of India in action REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
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Neeraj Chopra competes in the men's javelin throw. (AFP)
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Overview

  • The event, initially planned for Panchkula, was relocated to Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium due to inadequate lighting at the original venue.
  • World Athletics has granted the competition Category A (Gold) status, making it a key event for ranking points and world championship qualification.
  • Confirmed participants include world-class throwers Anderson Peters, Thomas Rohler, Julius Yego, Curtis Thompson, and Neeraj Chopra himself, with 3-4 Indian athletes also set to compete.
  • Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan's Olympic gold medalist, has been invited but has not yet confirmed his participation, pending discussions with his coach and government approvals.
  • Neeraj Chopra envisions the Classic as an annual event, with plans to expand it to include women's javelin and other disciplines, aiming to elevate India's athletics profile globally.