logo
NC Classic: Laser lights, loud music and enthusiastic crowd, Neeraj Chopra and javelin get a rousing welcome

NC Classic: Laser lights, loud music and enthusiastic crowd, Neeraj Chopra and javelin get a rousing welcome

Indian Express2 days ago
Before the big boys of men's javelin got down to business, a carnival-like atmosphere engulfed the Kanteerava Stadium. A makeover aimed at making athletics spectator-friendly played out for an hour before the NC Classic began at 7.30 pm.
This has been seen before, the razzmatazz pops up at IPL opening ceremonies or at curtain-raisers of National Games, but stadium-centric track-and-field competitions in the country have generally been treated as poorer cousins, despite the success of golden boy Neeraj Chopra.
World record holder and Neeraj Chopra's coach Jan Zelezny casually strolled on the Kanteerava Stadium track like he was going for an evening walk. One of the most famous athletes in the world was pleasantly surprised by the applause he got when the stadium announcer took his name. The stand right behind the runway was packed, with the loudest fans waving red flags, banging inflatable noise-makers handed to them at the entry gates. Generally having a good time and willing to shout themselves hoarse at the drop of a hat or the flight of a javelin in a warm-up throw on a windy but pleasant Bengaluru evening.
Not just a meet — it's a celebration.
The stadium bay is alive with culture, colour, and crowd.#NeerajChopraClassic #GameOfThrows pic.twitter.com/UxQOw6fggW
— Neeraj Chopra Classic (@nc_classic) July 5, 2025
When Neeraj joined Zelezny in the middle for a quick discussion, there was a crescendo of cheers.
Laser lights flashed, foot thumping music played and an all-female dance group performed. The turf, where Bengaluru FC play their home matches, was an immaculate patch of green hemmed in by LED display boards. Haryana rapper Dhanda Nyoliwala brought the house down when he announced the names of the throwers between two numbers and followed that by cheekily producing a shadow-practice throw.
As the evening progressed, the fans got louder. Some of them were special invitees.
One of the fans at the stadium was Ranjith Ravichandran from Coimbatore, who struck gold literally when Neeraj responded to his post on X asking 'anyone to sponsor Rs 2,000' so he could watch the NC Classic. Neeraj promised to sponsor his trip with full VVIP experience.
On Saturday morning, the day after he turned 30, Ranjith, a staffer at an educational institution, was left star struck when he bumped into Neeraj at the official hotel.
'I was overwhelmed and wished him all the best. I told him India was lucky to have an athlete like him. He enquired about me and if everything was fine and also wished me all the best,' Ranjith, who is pursuing a Masters in data science from Bits Pilani, said.
Ranjith had a personal setback last year, when his father Ravichandra passed away after a long illness. His younger sister Maheshwari is preparing for bank examinations. A former distance runner, he had participated at the district level in the 1,500 metres and 5,000 metres while in college.
'I was on a tight budget in June that's why I posted on X about wanting Rs 2,000. I could not afford it at that time otherwise I would have never posted,' Ranjith said.
The warm-up 🔥 has begun.
Muscles primed. Minds focused.
📺 Watch it live on JioHotstar & StarSports.#NeerajChopraClassic #GameOfThrows pic.twitter.com/JegSQc0GWm
— Neeraj Chopra Classic (@nc_classic) July 5, 2025
When Neeraj replied, Ranjith was in disbelief. He wondered if it was a fake account. However, when Neeraj's team at JSW Sports got in touch, he realised he wasn't the target of a con. 'I saw it (Neeraj's post) but couldn't believe it and was unsure if it was the real Neeraj Chopra. Today as I am entering the stadium, I can't believe it has really happened.'
Ranjith was one of the lucky ones watching from a privileged spot but the thousands that streamed in (about 10,000 paid tickets were up for sale) watched from bucket seats. The older ones were replaced for the NC Classic, say organisers.
Outside, the usual suspects at cricket matches were spotted; face-painters charging Rs 20 for a Tricolour on the cheeks. Some things were left for the last minute, like it happens in these parts of the world. A group of workers were carrying the wooden podium without the vinyl covering, taking breaks to catch their breath, a couple of hours before the start.
By the time each athlete walked over a red carpet between two lines of giant sparklers with a child in tow, football-style, the atmosphere was electric. Thomas Rohler, the 2016 Olympic champion, high-fived each of the kids in a light-hearted fun moment. Some of the best in the world were in Bengaluru to compete but also wanted to have fun at the NC Classic.
Neeraj was next. Chants of 'Neeraj', 'Neeraj', 'Neeraj' sounded like the famous one that resounded across cricket stadiums in India in the 90s and noughties when another superstar walked out.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Akash Deep's sister reveals message to pacer before Edgbaston heroics: 'Don't worry about me, just...'
Akash Deep's sister reveals message to pacer before Edgbaston heroics: 'Don't worry about me, just...'

First Post

time29 minutes ago

  • First Post

Akash Deep's sister reveals message to pacer before Edgbaston heroics: 'Don't worry about me, just...'

India pacer Akash Deep revealed his sister was suffering from cancer and had dedicated his match-winning 10-wicket haul in the second Test against England at Edgbaston to her in an emotional post-match interview. read more An emotional Akash Deep had dedicated his match-winning 10-wicket haul in the second Test against England at Edgbaston to his elder sister, revealing in a post-match interview on Sunday that she has been suffering from cancer and adding that he hoped to make her smile with his exceptional performance. Akash's sister Akhand Jyoti Singh, however, revealed that she spoke to the pacer before the start of the England tour, which got underway at Headingley on 20 June, and told him not to worry about her health and to focus on the game. She also lauded her brother for bringing joy to the entire family as well as the nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It is a matter of pride for India - he has taken 10 wickets. Before the England tour, we went to meet him at the airport. I told him, 'I'm absolutely fine, don't worry about me, just do well for the country.' I am in the third stage (of cancer), and the doctor has said the treatment will go on for six more months, after which we'll see,' Jyoti told India Today. 'It makes me very happy when Akash takes wickets. Whenever he gets a wicket, all of us start clapping and cheering so loudly that the neighbours in the colony ask what has happened!' she added. 'He was the one who motivated me the most' Jyoti further revealed how Akash made it a point to visit her in hospital during the Indian Premier League despite his hectic schedule with the Lucknow Super Giants, while adding that he was the main source of inspiration for her. 'When the IPL was going on and he was playing for the Lucknow team, I was admitted to the hospital for cancer treatment. Even then, he would come meet me either before or after the matches,' Jyoti continued. 'During my cancer treatment, he was the one who motivated me the most. I would tell him not to worry, that I have my husband with me, but he would always say, 'Everything I have is for my sisters and my family.' We are three brothers and three sisters - one of them has passed away. Akash is the youngest,' she said. 'Before and after every match, he makes sure to call home on video. He told me, 'I did all this for you and for the country. I took those wickets for you,' she added. Akash was drafted into India's playing XI in place of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the Edgbaston Test due to workload management in the aftermath of his recent back injury. The Bengal pacer, who originally hails from Bihar's Sasaram, ended up forming quite the lethal new-ball pair with Mohammed Siraj, who led the Indian attack in Bumrah's absence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | Gill hails 'magnificent' Akash after historic win at Edgbaston: 'Bowled with so much heart' Siraj (6/70) and Akash (4/88) shared all 10 wickets between them to help India bowl England out for 407 and collect a massive 180-run first innings lead. Akash would produce an even better performance during the Ben Stokes-led hosts' chase of the mammoth 608-run target set by India, collecting his maiden five-for (6/99) and finishing with 10/187. India, as a result, bundled England out for 271 and leveled the five-Test series 1-1 with a thumping 336-run victory.

"It shows temperament, skill and, importantly, the fitness level": Anjum Chopra reflects on Shubman Gill's historic Birmingham outing
"It shows temperament, skill and, importantly, the fitness level": Anjum Chopra reflects on Shubman Gill's historic Birmingham outing

India Gazette

time31 minutes ago

  • India Gazette

"It shows temperament, skill and, importantly, the fitness level": Anjum Chopra reflects on Shubman Gill's historic Birmingham outing

By Karunesh Kumar Faridabad (Haryana) [India], July 7 (ANI): Former India women's cricketer Anjum Chopra hailed Indian test skipper Shubman Gill for his superb double hundred in the first innings, followed by a hundred in the second innings of the 2nd test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. She felt Gill performed stupendously and showed temperament, skills and fitness level in his innings. Gill led from the front following his memorable 269(387) in the first innings and then topped it up with a flamboyant 161(162) in his second turn to rewrite the history books on the fourth day of the second test. While speaking to ANI, Anjum Chopra said, 'In terms of batting, obviously it's a stupendous performance for any batter to score a 100 is special too for a batter to go and score a double 100 is even more special and somebody who can make it two in the same test match that calls for a great applause it shows the temperament the skill and more importantly the fitness level.' With a whopping 430 runs across both innings, Gill has the second-highest aggregate of runs in a single Test, behind England's Graham Gooch, who had an output of 456 runs after scoring 333 and 123 against India at Lord's back in 1990. Chopra also applauded Indian seamer Akash Deep as he mesmerised one and all with a ten-wicket haul in a critic-silencing, era-defining win over England at Edgbaston by 336 runs, India's first-ever Test win at the venue. She said coming from an injury and delivering such effort in both innings is very special. The pacer etched his name in the record books by registering the best bowling figures in a match for India in England, surpassing the long-standing record held by Chetan Sharma. Deep's match figures of 10/187 edged past Sharma's 10/188. 'Akash Deep was brilliant not just because he was coming in as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, but I think in itself if you just see it in isolation the performance of him from where he was when in Australia to an injury he picked up he played a very few matches in the recently concluded IPL and then coming in and not just one two but such a massive effort and in both innings it's a very special,' she added. After picking up 4/88 in the first innings to lay the foundation, Akash Deep returned in the second innings to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with 6/99. Coming to the match, Team India scripted history by defeating England for the first time at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in Test cricket. The emphatic 336-run victory not only marked a landmark win but also helped India level the five-match Test series 1-1. (ANI)

LSG star Digvesh Rathi to earn more than IPL salary, SRH pacer joins new team, he is…
LSG star Digvesh Rathi to earn more than IPL salary, SRH pacer joins new team, he is…

India.com

timean hour ago

  • India.com

LSG star Digvesh Rathi to earn more than IPL salary, SRH pacer joins new team, he is…

Player auction ahead of DPL 2025 season took place in New Delhi on Sunday. The Delhi Premier League (DPL) took a major leap forward as franchises went all out during Sunday's player auction ahead of DPL 2025 season, spending big to sign some of the most exciting and promising talent from across the capital. As many 520 players went under the hammer, with top picks including Digvesh Rathi (Rs 38 lakh to South Delhi Superstars), Simarjeet Singh (Rs 39 lakh to Central Delhi Kings), Nitish Rana (Rs 34 lakh to West Delhi Lions) and Prince Yadav (Rs 33 lakh to New Delhi Tigers). Rathi, who turns out for Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants team in IPL, will be earning more from DPL that what he earned from the Indian Premier League earlier this year. The Delhi leg-spinner was signed up for Rs 30 lakh by Sanjiv Goenka at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The spinner had paid Rs 9.37 lakh in fines to BCCI for his aggressive send-offs and 'signature' celebrations. He was also banned for one match in IPL 2025. Who are the top buys of DPL 2025 player auction? Meanwhile, SRH pacer Simarjeet Singh, who was bought for Rs 1.5 by Kavya Maran at IPL 2025 Mega Auction has become DPL 2025's most expensive buy at Rs 39 lakh. Former KKR captain and currently RR player Nitish Rana will be playing in his first DPL season and has been bought for Rs 34 lakh after deciding to return back to Delhi & Districts Cricket Association after leading Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. Speaking on the occasion, Rohan Jaitley, DDCA President said, 'Last year, we pulled off a successful first season in a limited window, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved. With 35 million views on the Jio platform, 1,084 million minutes of watch time, and 240 million views across social media, it's clear that cricket continues to create a massive global wave of excitement and engagement. This year, we've gone a step further—revisiting our auction system, broadening the player base, and elevating domestic cricket to ensure the best talent emerges. We've also added two new men's franchises, continuing our mission to offer top-quality competitive cricket.' Virender Sehwag's son Aaryavir Sehwag joins Central Delhi Kings Former India cricketer, Virender Sehwag added, 'I'm really looking forward to this season. It's a great opportunity for players to shine on a big stage. With selectors and fans watching closely—not just from India, but internationally as well—this league gives a chance to the players to make a mark. We saw some incredible cricket last year, and I'm sure this season will be even more exciting.' Central Delhi Kings had already retained Jonty Sidhu ahead of the auction and strengthened their squad further by adding key players like Simarjeet Singh, former India U19 captain Yash Dhull, and Pranshu Vijayran — building a well-rounded unit for the season ahead. Aaryavir Sehwag was a later addition to the Kings' lineup. East Delhi Riders bolstered their squad by signing experienced pacer Navdeep Saini, bringing both pace and experience to their bowling attack. They also used the Right to Match (RTM) card to retain promising youngster Mayank Rawat for INR 26 lakh, showing faith in his potential. The team had earlier retained wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat, giving them a solid foundation for the upcoming season. With Himmat Singh already on board before the auction, New Delhi Tigers turned their focus to emerging talent and batting aggression. They picked up Prince Yadav for a hefty amount, underlining their faith in his abilities, and added Hiten Dalal, known for his explosive batting. North Delhi Strikers entered the season with a solid foundation, retaining pace spearhead Harshit Rana. They further strengthened their bowling attack by adding left-arm quick Kuldip Yadav. In the batting department, the franchise picked up reliable performer Sarthak Ranjan, while also investing in future talent with the inclusion of youngster Vaibhav Kandpal. With a balanced mix of experience and promise, the Strikers look set for a strong season. Virat Kohli's nephew joins South Delhi Superstarz South Delhi Superstarz made a smart move ahead of the auction by retaining Ayush Badoni — a dynamic right-hander known for his ability to score quick runs and contribute with the ball when needed. Strengthening their squad further, the franchise secured spinner Digvesh Rathi, who impressed everyone with his performances in the IPL 2025 season. The franchise later picked Aryaveer Kohli for Rs 1 lakh. With a mix of firepower and all-round skills, the Superstarz look well-equipped for a strong campaign. Outer Delhi Warriors, one of the new franchises this season, continued to shape a promising squad. After bringing in Priyansh Arya earlier, the team signed two-time IPL champion Suyash Sharma and made a strong investment in Harsh Tyagi—who has shown impressive form in domestic T20s and offers depth with the bat as well. Puraani Dilli 6 made a powerful statement ahead of the upcoming season by retaining one of the most iconic names in world cricket — Rishabh Pant. Known for his match-winning abilities and fearless batting, Pant remains the cornerstone of their campaign. Staying true to their vision of building a balanced squad, the franchise also placed its trust in promising young talent, bringing in Vansh Bedi, Dev Lakra, Aayush Singh, and Samarth Seth. With a mix of experience and youthful energy, Puraani Dilli 6 looks well-prepared to make a strong impact this season. West Delhi Lions began their campaign by retaining Ayush Doseja, a dependable performer in their ranks. At the auction, the franchise strategically added experience and leadership by getting seasoned cricketers Nitish Rana and Ishant Sharma. To complement their experienced core, the Lions also invested in promising young talents like Hritik Shokeen and Mayank Gusain, signalling a clear intent to build a balanced squad with both immediate impact and future potential.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store