The Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) held on July 5, 2025, at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium, marks a potentially transformative moment for Indian athletics. More than just a javelin competition, it's a strategic initiative designed to elevate India's presence in global athletics by bringing together elite athletes, improved infrastructure, and a clear vision.
For a nation seeking broader representation in track and field, beyond a few prominent figures, this event is both timely and potentially revolutionary. Named after Neeraj Chopra, India's only Olympic gold medalist in track and field, the NC Classic is the country's first World Athletics-sanctioned javelin meet at the Continental Tour Gold level. This A-category status places the Bengaluru meet alongside top international athletics events, making it one of the most significant single-discipline competitions ever held in India.
The Classic offers crucial world ranking points, enabling Indian athletes to climb the global ladder without needing to compete abroad. This addresses a long-standing challenge: access to quality meets that directly impact qualification for major tournaments like the World Championships and the Olympics.
The caliber of athletes participating underscores the meet's importance. Alongside Neeraj Chopra, the lineup includes world and Olympic medalists like Thomas Röhler, Julius Yego, and Curtis Thompson.
Neeraj Chopra's journey to becoming a global icon in athletics is inspirational. His gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was a historic achievement, making him the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in track and field. He later became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023. Chopra has also won the Diamond League, and has a remarkable podium finish streak in 24 consecutive competitions since 2020. In June 2025, he secured another gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. His personal best and national record stands at 90.23m, achieved at the Doha Diamond League 2025.
The NC Classic represents more than just a competition; it is a platform to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes and promote a culture of excellence in sports. Hosting such a prestigious event can motivate young athletes to take up javelin and other track and field events, fostering a deeper interest in sports beyond cricket.
The 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Thomas Rohler, sees the NC Classic as a step forward for Indian athletics, bringing the sport to the people. He emphasized the importance of quality coaches to nurture the next generation of athletes, ensuring sustainable development rather than just a fleeting trend. Julius Yego, a javelin trendsetter in Kenya, noted the growing global interest in javelin, with more countries potentially hosting javelin competitions in the future.
Neeraj Chopra's vision extends beyond personal achievements; he aims to give back to Indian athletics and uplift the sport in India. He envisions hosting four to five world-class competitions in India, providing opportunities for athletes and increasing the sport's visibility.
If the inaugural NC Classic succeeds, future editions could expand to include more disciplines and cities, potentially evolving into a larger international athletics festival. By lending his name to the event, Neeraj Chopra has become a legacy builder, turning his dream of hosting international athletics events in India into reality. The Neeraj Chopra Classic serves as a blueprint for how India can establish itself as a serious contender in track and field.
The event was co-organized by Neeraj himself, along with JSW Sports, Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics. The competition was initially postponed due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan but was eventually held on July 5.
Overall, the NC Classic has the potential to be a game-changer for Indian athletics by providing a platform for Indian athletes to compete against top international talent, earn valuable ranking points, and inspire a new generation of athletes.
