Neeraj Chopra Classic: A champion's gold class presentation
Neeraj Chopra Classic
will get bigger and better says the two-time olympic medallist, who will be seen in the twin roles of organiser & participant
BENGALURU: The countdown to the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour gold event, is nearing its end and the stage is getting finishing touches for the spectacle, which will see the world's top javelin throwers compete for the top prize here on Saturday.
Neeraj Chopra, who is here in a dual role as a competitor and organiser of the event, was at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday evening. He addressed the media before hitting the track with fellow world beaters, including Germany's Thomas Rohler, to do a few laps on track as part of his training routine monitored by coach Jan Zelezny.
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On his twin roles, Chopra said: The toughest part of organising the event is that you get very little time to train.
I have to arrange everything, and it's going well."
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'I've witnessed the passion for sports among the people of Karnataka, which is why we chose to hold the meet here. I want parents to bring their children to the event so athletics can grow in stature. In the future, we will add more events to this meet. We want to make this meet bigger so that our athletes, who are doing well on the global stage, will get an opportunity to compete with the top international athletes in India," the two-time Olympic medallist added.
Bengaluru Days
Recalling his training camps in Bengaluru as a young athlete, Chopra, who won the SAF Games gold in Guwahati before claiming the World U-20 gold in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2016, said he cherishes those memories.
"I have trained at the SAI South Centre here for 5-6 months in 2016-17. In those days, we roamed around the city visiting malls, MG Road, etc. We had a lot of fun, and I have great memories from those days. It's a great city with lovely weather and friendly people.'
On his maiden foray at the venue, the 27-year-old stated, 'This is the first time that I'm competing in Bengaluru and that too in an international event. I'm very happy with my preparation and I'm looking forward to Saturday.'
Urging the city's sport enthusiasts to make the event a success, the world champion said, 'Although I'm far from home, with the kind of support I've received, I feel at home here. It's the first time such an event is happening in India.
I invite all sports lovers in Bengaluru to come and support the event. The best athletes from around the world are here, and you will enjoy it," Chopra said.
Neeraj also gave a vote of thanks to the state government for their support.
"Initially, we planned the event in Haryana, but there were some technical problems, including that of lighting. Then we spoke to the Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah sir, through Govindraj sir and everyone here was very helpful. From the very first call, there was a positive response, and I was promised all support. I have visited the stadium, and they have changed the chairs...it's getting ready," Neeraj said in the presence of Karnataka Olympic Association president K Govindaraj and other top government officials.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Packed stands & flying sears: Bengaluru bows to Neeraj Chopra & co
Bengaluru: Sree Kanteerava Stadium buzzed with anticipation Saturday, even as it was guarded tightly than ever in the wake of the tragedy that claimed 11 lives just 2km away, outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium. As the clock edged toward the 7pm start of the maiden Neeraj Chopra Classic, fans began streaming in almost two hours early, clamouring for the best vantage points in the north lower and upper stands, just behind the javelin runway. But first came the cops to ensure a foolproof security cordon, with even a deputy commissioner of police going around the stands to take stock of the arrangements. The excitement was palpable and artists showcasing Karnataka's folk dance forms such as Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha, Kamsale and Pata Kunitha entertained people outside the arena. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The corporate box inside the stadium, reserved for premium ticket holders, provided occupants with a ringside view of the top stars in action, led by host and star athlete Neeraj Chopra. Scores of schoolchildren filled the stands, making their presence felt by waving flags and jumping up and down whenever they spotted Chopra. The previously empty stands soon filled with colourful javelins, ranging from fluorescent green to bright orange. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Arthritis? Do This Immediately (Watch) Live Happier Click Here Undo by Taboola by Taboola Javelin master Chopra entered next, and the stands erupted in joy as fans watched their favourite star, who has followed in the footsteps of icons such as Milkha Singh, PT Usha and Anju Bobby George, bringing fame to the country in the world of athletics. The evening's events began with entertainment designed to get fans in the groove. First up was The Vixens Crew, a city-based all-women dance team. This was followed by Haryanvi singer Dhanda Nyoliwala, a chart-topper on Spotify's top 200 list, known for his viral songs such as "Up to U" and "Russian Bandana". Soon, all 12 athletes joined in to begin their warm-up session and take a few practice throws. The fans, who filled most of the stands, brought back memories of Indian Super League football matches between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters. Although the main event was yet to start, the appetiser itself delighted the crowd when chief organiser and lead contestant Chopra landed his first practice throw close to the 80-metre mark. Fans experienced world-class athletics as they celebrated with cheering sticks and special flags. By the time the first javelin pierced the grass on the cool evening, 14,593 athletics enthusiasts were cheering for the star-studded line-up. A huge banner reading "From Bengaluru with love to every athlete" perfectly summed up the mood; the fact that Chopra won the gold medal was a fitting finale.
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Thought I could throw better...": Neeraj after winning the inaugural NC Classic
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 5 (ANI): Following his win at the inaugural NC Classic at Bengaluru, India's world champion and Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra expressed his thoughts on his performance, happy with his win but not entirely satisfied with his throws. He also opened up on acting as both an organiser and athlete for the competition. Chopra took the top honours in the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a competition named after him at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The reigning javelin throw champion stood triumphant with 86.18m in a competition named after him. Kenya's Julius Yego notched up his season best and settled for second with 84.51m. Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage claimed the third position with a best throw of 84.34m. Speaking after the event in a press conference, Neeraj recalled that the last few days had been hard for him, given that he was both an athlete and the organiser of an event named after him. 'The last few days have been hard for me. It also made me feel a bit weird that the competition is in my name. I am happy that I can keep the medal and trophy from the first edition at home,' he said. Neeraj said that the people of Bengaluru also thoroughly enjoyed the event, and the support was very strong from the 'passionate' fans. Neeraj recalled that during the Doha Diamond League, he got a 'lot of headwinds', which made throws difficult, and it was the same case in Bengaluru. 'Technically, I made a mistake in the starting (starting off with a foul throw). I was going to the left. My coach told me to throw straight. There was a little technical problem. But it was good. I thought I could throw better. But I am happy that I won in the first edition. My biggest target was to make this competition successful,' he added. Neeraj felt that after two or three throws, he felt good and felt that one of his 84-m something throws was an 87-88 m throw. 'But if there is more wind and there is more height, then it stops the javelin. If I had thrown a little more, then it would have been 87-88 metres,' he added. 'But there was a lot of crowd, and there was a lot of support. There was a pressure when I was on the runway and was throwing. In the first throw, I was very enthusiastic and ran and threw. My coach, Jan Zelezny, showed me the video and told me to stay relaxed,' he added. Later, he thanked all the parties involved in the organisation of the competition. 'Thank you very much to everyone for coming here. And I did not expect that in the first edition, there would be such a good crowd and so much support. I thank the AFI (Athletics Federation of India), the World Athletics, who gave us a gold-level competition today.' 'This is a big thing for our country. And we were able to do so well, and I hope we will bring more competitions like this in the future. And thank you so much to every sponsor, the Karnataka government, and my JSW team, they are also working hard.' We were working day and night. So, there was a lot of help from everyone. I mean, I just wanted everyone to work like a team. So, I could see that. I mean, from the government, AFI, people came from the World Athletics, and the JSW, Karnataka government, I mean, everyone was giving us support,' he concluded. While some athletes came close to challenging Neeraj's supremacy, the Indian's finesse remained unmatched by the end of the tournament. Even though it wasn't another 90m outing for the 27-year-old, he stamped his authority by conquering the challenge that he encountered and ensured that he continued to stay inside the top two since June 26, 2021. In front of an ebullient crowd, India's Sahil Silwal, left-handed, kicked off the proceedings at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium. He let out a roar after releasing the javelin from his hand and registered a throw of 77.48m. Rohit Yadav, a World Championships finalist, recorded a distance of 77.11m. Neeraj fouled on his first attempt and got on the board with a throw of 82.99m. He raised his hand after releasing the javelin and got the crowd going. He went to the top of the standings, bettering the 81.90m attempt from Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka. Yashvir Singh, who started the event with a foul attempt, struck a distance of 76.20m in his second try. At the same time, Sachin Yadav managed 77.30m in his second try after fouling his first. Rumesh momentarily added a twist to the script by reclaiming the top spot with 84.34m, forcing Neeraj to slip to second. However, his attempt sparked a competitive fire in Neeraj, who responded boldly by sending his javelin to a distance of 86.18m to move to the summit after his third attempt. The bottom four in the standings were bound to get eliminated after the first three throws. Rio Olympics champion Thomas Rohler, who struggled to get the desired distance, saw his run in the competition end with 75.85m being his best. Sahil, Rohit, and Martin Konecny fouled their third throws and crashed out of the race for the top spot. With the last eight competitors decided, Neeraj tried to improve his best effort but didn't achieve the distance or height he yearned for. He deliberately strayed past the white line to register his second foul throw at the event. 'Mr YouTube' Julius Yego had a beaming smile on his face after his fourth try. The Kenyan athlete struck his season-best distance with a splendid 84.51m. Sachin's situation didn't improve after 82.33m. With the crowd behind Neeraj clapping in rhythm, the two-time gold medallist didn't enhance his top distance but managed the sixth round, Curtis Thompson acknowledged the crowd after his final 81.50m throw and finished sixth in the standings. Sachin, an Asian silver medallist, had a disappointing outing and settled for the fourth spot after a foul in his last throw. Yego finished second with a strong 82.45 and turned towards the stands to acknowledge the crowd. Before Neeraj turned up for one final attempt, the top three were decided, along with his spot at the summit. With the crowd behind him, 82.22m flashed on the screen as Neeraj stood triumphant and kept his top-two streak intact on his home turf. (ANI)
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
Hosting an event tougher than competing: Neeraj
Bengaluru, July 5 (UNI) Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal with a powerful 86.18m throw at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, held at the buzzing Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. But beyond the medal, it was the emotional and organisational weight of the occasion that the champion called his toughest challenge yet. 'Being a host was tougher than being an athlete. It felt like preparing for an exam — with training, travel, and responsibilities piling up. But I still managed to throw well. I think all of this made me stronger,' Neeraj said in a candid post-event interaction. In a first-of-its-kind international javelin event hosted in India and named after him, Neeraj balanced the dual roles of star competitor and lead organiser. 'Some days I was training 7–8 hours, travelling, and also making sure the event ran smoothly. I kept reminding the team: 'We have to perform too.' I'm very happy we pulled it off.' Neeraj's gold came amid challenging wind conditions and rising expectations, especially from a full house in Bengaluru. 'I've trained here, watched BFC matches, and I know the city's passion. Some people thought the weekend might affect the turnout, but the crowd was incredible,' he said. Reflecting on the technical aspects of the event, Neeraj noted that the crosswinds made execution difficult. 'Romesh and Julis were pushing hard today. I felt one of us would get a big throw. The wind kept shifting, but I'm glad I delivered and the medals stayed in India.' Asked about the roar that followed his standout 84m+ throw, Neeraj said he felt it could have gone even further. 'That throw felt like 87–88m, but the headwind slowed it down. My coach showed me the video and told me, 'Relax, relax.' He was very busy but still told me 2–3 times. That kind of friendship — when you push and support each other mid-competition — is very special.' He also shared how the pressure of having a competition named after him added to the mental load. 'At one point, I did feel, 'Yeh event mere naam ka hai, yaar,' so naturally there was a bit of pressure. But I was focused, and that made the medal even more meaningful.' The Neeraj Chopra Classic saw enthusiastic participation from national and international athletes, and drew high praise for its organisation, atmosphere, and vision. Neeraj credited the Athletics Federation of India, World Athletics, the Karnataka Government, and JSW Sports for their joint efforts in staging a global-quality meet in India. 'The first edition went off so well. It proves what we can do when everyone works together like one team. And we're just getting started,' he said. As the crowd chanted his name and the Indian flag flew high, Neeraj left the field with gold in hand and a larger goal in mind: 'We wanted to show the world that India is ready to host big athletics events — and today, I believe we've taken the first big step.' UNI BDN ARN GNK
