Neeraj Chopra will be the crowd favourite at the NC Classic, a World Athletics A category event, in Bengaluru on July 5, 2025. Photo: World Athletics/X
Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold and silver medal-winning javelin thrower, is set to dominate the spotlight in the inaugural NC Classic - a World Athletics 'A' category event - at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, July 5. The 27-year-old has been in fiery form and is the outright favourite to win the 12-man competition following his impressive performances at the Paris Diamond League and the Ostrava Golden Spike last month. Neeraj clinched the Paris DL with an 88.16m throw, while at Ostrava he emerged triumphant with an 85.29m throw.
The inaugural edition of the NC Classic, a tournament named after Neeraj himself, is about more than just achieving success on the field for the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist. It is about giving Indian fans a chance to witness top-class competition from the stands - something that could help raise the profile of athletics in the country.
The event, which will last just over an hour, offers fans a chance to watch the double Olympic medallist in action alongside a highly competitive field. Although two-time World Championships gold medallist Anderson Peters had to pull out due to an ankle injury, the competition remains intense with 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist Thomas Röhler set to compete.
Winning the event in front of a home crowd is important for the sport, and for Neeraj, the goal will be to cross the 90m mark. He achieved the elusive 90m throw for the first time in his career in Doha this May but had to settle for second place behind Germany’s Julian Weber, who also crossed the 90m mark to clinch the DL title. The NC Classic, meanwhile, marks Neeraj’s first competition on home soil in over a year.
Originally scheduled to be held in Panchkula, Haryana on May 24, the NC Classic was shifted to Bengaluru due to inadequate lighting for international broadcasters. It was later postponed due to the military conflict between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Given the importance of the event, Neeraj’s legendary coach Jan Železný - the world record holder - has also arrived in Bengaluru.
The event is also a great opportunity for Indian youngsters Sachin Yadav, Sahil Silwal, Rohit Yadav, and Yashvir Singh to gain much-needed international exposure by competing alongside some of the world’s best.
Why should we watch it?
This is the first international-level athletics event in India, and the only one in South Asia to earn the World Athletics 'A' category tag. With javelin throwers from around the world competing on Indian soil, the NC Classic becomes a prestigious stop on the international athletics calendar.
Given the quality of competitors and the World Championships qualification points at stake, every thrower will be aiming to give their best to secure a spot in the biennial event to be held in Japan later this year.
Competitors
A total of 12 athletes will compete at the event: Neeraj Chopra (India), Curtis Thompson (USA), Martin Konečný (Czechia), Julius Yego (Kenya), Cyprian Mrzygłód (Poland), Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil), Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka), Thomas Röhler (Germany), Sachin Yadav (India), Sahil Silwal (India), Rohit Yadav (India), Yashvir Singh (India)
When is the NC Classic?
NC Classic is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on July 6, 2025.
At time does the NC Classic start?
The NC Classic will start at 6:30 PM IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of the Neeraj Chopra Classic?
The live telecast will be available on Star Sports.
Where to watch the live streaming of the Neeraj Chopra Classic?
The live streaming will be available on Jiohotstar.
