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Journalism of Courage
Tokyo Olympics champion Neeraj Chopra confirmed on Monday that the invitiational javelin event being organised in India under his name – the NC Classic – has been shifted to Bengaluru from Panchukula. The NC Classic, originally scheduled to be held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium on May 24, will now be held on the same day at Sree Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, Bengaluru – the change has been confirmed on the World Athletics event calendar as well.
Speaking to the media in an online press conference organised by JSW, Neeraj said there is no confirmation yet on whether Paris Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem’s participation but the Pakistani athlete has been invited like most of the top athletes. “Absolutely, Arshad has been talked to. He is consulting his coach but has not confirmed his participation yet,” Neeraj said. “Like other top throwers, Arshad too has been invited. It will involve government (permission) etc. Once everything is confirmed, we will know the final list.”
Neeraj said that the event will feature three or four Indian throwers, and is a great opportunity – being listed as a Category A event – to gain some points towards World Championships qualification. The 27-year-old gave an initial list of athletes who are set to compete at the event. Two-time World Champion and Paris Olympics bronze medallist from Grenada, Anderson Peters, headlines the list of visiting javelin throwers. Former Olympic champion Thomas Rohler from Germany, former World Champion Julius Yego of Kenya and America’s Curtis Thompson, who currently leads the top list of 2025 with a 87.76m throw, are also set to compete.
“The story behind Neeraj Chopra Classic is that I am inspired by my fellow athletes,” he said. “It would be nice if the event was named after me. As you all know, there is Mondo Classic named after Mondo Duplantis. Keeley Klassic is named after the U.K. Olympic champion. I was inspired by that and decided to do such a competition. Finally, this is happening. I am very excited about it.”
And finally, of course, the two-time Olympic medalist also confirmed that he will be throwing at the event too. Neeraj recently began his season with a 84.52m best mark at the McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom on April 16.
