Indian athletics icon and reigning Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra achieved a major personal milestone on Saturday, not just as an athlete, but as an organizer, as he successfully hosted and triumphed in the inaugural Neeraj Chopra (NC) Classic—a premier javelin competition held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
The 27-year-old superstar, who has become a household name across India and the world for his historic feats in javelin throw, emerged victorious in front of a jubilant home crowd with a best throw of 86.18 meters, registered in the third round of the competition.
Among those present in the stands were Chopra’s proud parents, witnessing their son’s success on Indian soil at a world-class international event that he had helped bring to life.
This victory marked Neeraj’s third consecutive international title in just over two weeks. He had earlier topped the field at the Paris Diamond League on June 20, followed by another dominant win at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, Poland, on June 24, where he recorded a best of 85.29 meters.
His consistent performances over these meets demonstrate that he remains at the peak of his powers as he heads toward the business end of the athletics season.
A Field of Champions
The NC Classic wasn’t just a personal celebration—it was a global event that drew an impressive field of 12 elite javelin throwers, including seven top-ranked international athletes and five Indian throwers.
It was sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and granted Category A status by World Athletics, a rare honour for an event in its very first edition.
Finishing in second place was Julius Yego of Kenya, the 2025 world champion, who delivered a strong throw of 84.51 meters. Not far behind him was Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage, who finished third with a notable best of 84.34 meters.
The tight competition highlighted the high calibre of talent the NC Classic managed to attract and the growing prestige of the javelin throw within the international athletics calendar.
A Dream Realised
What made this victory even more special was the fact that Neeraj Chopra was not just a competitor, but also the chief architect of the event.
The NC Classic was conceptualized and brought to life by Chopra himself in partnership with JSW Sports, his long-time management and support agency.
The initiative aimed to create a world-class competitive platform for javelin throwers within India—a country where field events have long played second fiddle to cricket and other sports.
Chopra has been vocal about his dream to give back to the sport and inspire the next generation of Indian athletes.
By creating a high-profile event that brought global stars to Indian stadiums, he has taken a major step in elevating India’s reputation in athletics and showcasing the country’s ability to host international-standard meets.
“It was always a dream of mine to not just compete but to bring a competition of this standard to India. Seeing this dream come true, and to win in front of my family and fans—it’s an unforgettable feeling,” Chopra said after his win, adding that his motivation stemmed from a desire to build infrastructure and opportunity for Indian athletes at home.
The Road Ahead
Chopra’s performance in Bengaluru is especially significant as he prepares for upcoming major championships. With a season-best throw already crossing the 90-meter barrier in May 2025, he continues to push the boundaries of Indian athletics.
His focus will now shift toward the World Athletics Championships and the 2026 Asian Games, where he is expected to lead India’s medal hopes.
The success of the NC Classic also sets a precedent for Indian athletes taking an active role in the development and promotion of their sports disciplines.
By combining his global reputation with professional organizational support, Chopra has opened new doors for Indian sports beyond just participation—he is helping shape its future.
