Neeraj Chopra Classic Makes History — A New Era for Indian Track and Field

Neeraj Chopra Classic: India’s First-Ever Elite Athletics Meet Takes Off in Bengaluru

India is set to witness a historic moment in athletics as it hosts its first-ever top-tier international track and field event — the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) — on Saturday, July 5, at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Fittingly named after India’s Olympic gold medalist, the NC Classic is more than just a sporting event. It marks the beginning of a new era in Indian athletics, blending world-class competition with national pride — and it’s being led by Neeraj Chopra himself.

Neeraj’s Vision Becomes Reality
Neeraj Chopra, often reserved off the field, has taken an active role in bringing his dream meet to life. From promotional walks through Bengaluru to personally interacting with fans, he’s been hands-on in every aspect of the event.

After experiencing electric crowds abroad, Neeraj dreamt of creating a similar atmosphere in India. That vision, nurtured post-Tokyo 2021, gained momentum last year when JSW Sports came on board.

“I’ve won medals, but this is something I wanted to give back to Indian sport,” Neeraj said at a pre-event media interaction.

What Is the NC Classic?
The NC Classic is a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold-level meet — the highest tier outside the Diamond League. It will offer ranking points and prize money to athletes aiming to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.

India now joins the ranks of global athletics hubs like Ostrava (Golden Spike) and Uppsala (Mondo Classic), signaling its growing status in world athletics.

The Star-Studded Line-Up
Neeraj Chopra headlines a 12-man elite field that includes:

Indian Athletes:
Neeraj Chopra – PB/SB: 90.23m

Sachin Yadav – PB/SB: 85.16m

Rohit Yadav – PB: 83.41m | SB: 80.47m

Sahil Silwal – PB: 81.81m | SB: 77.84m

Yash Vir Singh – PB/SB: 82.57m

International Contenders:
Thomas Röhler (Germany) – Olympic Gold, PB: 93.90m

Julius Yego (Kenya) – World Silver, PB: 92.72m

Curtis Thompson (USA) – SB: 87.76m

Cyprian Mrzygld (Poland) – PB/SB: 85.92m

Luiz Maurcio da Silva (Brazil) – PB/SB: 86.62m

Martin Konecn (Czech Republic) – PB/SB: 80.59m

Rumesh Tharanga (Sri Lanka) – PB/SB: 85.45m

Young Indian Talents in the Spotlight
For Indian javelin’s rising stars — including Sachin Yadav, Yash Vir Singh, Rohit Yadav, and others — the NC Classic provides a rare chance to compete alongside legends and shine on home turf.

Sachin, in particular, enters the meet in red-hot form, having recently thrown 85.16m.

Who’s the Favourite?
Neeraj Chopra.
Fresh off wins at the Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike, and with a season-best of 90.23m, he remains the man to beat. Only Julian Weber (91.06m) has thrown farther this year.

Veterans like Röhler and Yego, alongside in-form names like Curtis Thompson and Rumesh Tharanga, will offer serious competition. But all eyes will be on Neeraj, who could breach 90m again — possibly on home soil.