Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 3: In a major sporting update, the much-anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic, India’s first-ever international javelin event, has been rescheduled to July 5 and will now be held at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The event, initially slated for May 24, was postponed due to last month’s India-Pakistan military conflict.

Conceptualised by Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra and backed by JSW Sports, the javelin showcase has received Category A accreditation from World Athletics — placing it among the world’s elite javelin competitions. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is sanctioning the event.

The 12-athlete roster features a dynamic blend of global and Indian talent. Leading the Indian charge is Neeraj Chopra himself, accompanied by national stars Sachin Yadav, Kishore Jena, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal.

The international lineup boasts world-class names including:

• Anderson Peters (Grenada, PB: 93.07m)

• Thomas Röhler (Germany, PB: 93.90m)

• Julius Yego (Kenya, PB: 92.72m)

• Curtis Thompson (USA, PB: 87.76m)

• Genki Dean (Japan, PB: 84.28m)

• Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka, PB: 85.45m)

• Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil, PB: 86.34m)

The venue was shifted from Panchkula to Bengaluru due to inadequate lighting facilities at the original ground, which posed challenges for live television coverage.

JSW Sports CCO Karan Yadav remarked, “Bringing the Neeraj Chopra Classic back this quickly has taken an enormous collective effort. We're now set to deliver a celebration of javelin that's bolder, better, and even more unforgettable.”

Ticket prices for the event range from Rs 199 to Rs 9,999, with corporate boxes and premium seating options available for die-hard fans and sporting enthusiasts.

As the countdown begins, Bengaluru is gearing up to host a historic night of elite athletics — headlined by none other than India’s golden boy of javelin, Neeraj Chopra.