Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 Live: Another 90m on the cards?

India’s star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra shared his thoughts on the Neeraj Chopra (NC) Classic 2025, the country’s first international javelin competition named in his honour. Reflecting on the journey that led to this moment, Neeraj said he has put in immense hard work and added, “all this is written in one’s destiny.”

Set to be held on Saturday, July 5, at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is a defining milestone in Indian athletics. Co-organised by Neeraj himself along with JSW Sports and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India, the event carries World Athletics Gold Level status—placing India firmly on the global javelin map.

Speaking to ANI ahead of the meet, Neeraj reflected on his humble beginnings and the significance of this moment:
“…I think all this is written in one’s destiny. I worked hard. The background I come from is not like this. There was no javelin thrower or athlete in the family. But the journey has been terrific… This is something new which I have tried…”

Neeraj’s 2025 season has been exceptional. He opened with a win at the Potch Invitational in South Africa and then made headlines at the Doha Diamond League, throwing a personal best of 90.23m—the first time he crossed the iconic 90-metre mark.

Commenting on the milestone, Neeraj said:
“I was focused earlier too…But the 90-metre mark has become a magical mark. I have touched it now…It is a massive throw. I would try to throw farther and better, and I would always keep working hard for it.”

Most recently, Neeraj reclaimed the world number one ranking in men's javelin from Grenada’s Anderson Peters. According to World Athletics rankings, Neeraj now leads with 1,445 points, ahead of Peters’s 1,431. Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem is ranked fourth with 1,370 points.

Neeraj had briefly lost his top spot in September 2024, shortly after winning silver at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 89.45m.

Athletes abroad seldom get excited by off-season meets, but Thomas Röhler and Julius Yego are different. Röhler said, “It is a pleasure and a joy to come to a country that is on the rising edge of javelin.”

For him, 2025 is a comeback year, and the NC Classic offers competitive exposure ahead of global competitions.

Yego praised Neeraj’s initiative, remarking, “You might see it as small, but it’s actually very big… javelin is no longer confined to one region.” Their presence signals international respect and validation. Their attendance helps raise the event’s profile, ensuring high visibility and broadcast interest.

Moreover, these athletes can share training tips, discipline insights, and professional perspectives that could elevate India’s cohort. The message is powerful: India’s javelin event is worthy of elite attention.

For 25-year-old Sachin Yadav, the NC Classic is more than a competition—it’s a coming-of-age moment.

Invited personally by Neeraj Chopra, Sachin expressed immense pride: “When I got the message, I couldn’t believe it… I felt very proud.” Facing global elites like Röhler and Yego on home ground is a rare developmental boost. It provides direct access to learn from champions, test technical skills, and understand elite track pressures.

With India’s rising interest in javelin, performance here could attract sponsorships and open doors to training camps abroad. Sachin’s performance will inspire local coaches and young throwers nationwide.

This event could mark the beginning of his journey toward international recognition—turning training hours into headlines and dreams into actual records.

The NC Classic hosts a glittering field of javelin stars.

Thomas Röhler, the German Olympic champion, is making a comeback after battling injuries. He spoke passionately about India’s rising javelin prominence.

Julius Yego, Kenya’s former world champion, emphasized the event’s importance for globalizing the sport.

Americans like Curtis Thompson and Pole Cyprian Mrzyglód also confirm India’s emergence on the global circuit.

On the home scene, athletes like Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal, and Yash Vir Singh will face off against decorated names, providing invaluable exposure.

This elite line-up not only raises competitive standards but offers a spectacle for fans and a growth path for Indian athletes.

Will Sachin surprise the veterans? Can Yego break new personal records? The mix of experience and emerging talent induces high intrigue and dramatic storylines.

Neeraj Chopra is no stranger to high-pressure situations, but this Saturday, he takes on a new challenge: organiser. While preparing for the men’s javelin event at 7 PM IST, Neeraj has also been involved in behind-the-scenes logistics—from stadium coordination to transport and athlete relations.

“Organising and playing together is tough…but I like it,” he said at the launch press conference. His gratitude extended to the Karnataka government and JSW Sports, whose unwavering support helped bring his vision to life.

This dual role gives Neeraj fresh insight into the operational aspects of elite sports, expanding his leadership beyond the field.

It mirrors elite athletes like Usain Bolt or Mo Farah, who have stepped into executive roles post-success. This hands-on experience could pave the way for future sporting events led by athletes, blending sporting authority with operational fluency.

Hello and welcome to TimesofIndia.com for the live coverage of Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Tonight, we see history written in front of our eyes. On July 5, 2025, at Bengaluru’s iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, India will welcome top-tier global javelin throwers for the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, marking the nation’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Gold‑level event.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI), in partnership with JSW Sports, has brought world-class competition to Indian soil—an unprecedented step that places Bengaluru among elite athletic hubs like Doha and Paris. This ambitious move demonstrates a maturing sports eco-system in India while providing phenomenal exposure for domestic athletes.

With meticulous planning, cutting-edge facilities, and international compliance, the event sets a template for future athletics meets. The NC Classic is a clear signal that India is serious about becoming a major player on the global athletics stage, fostering local talent, boosting spectator interest, and inspiring long-term development across disciplines.