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Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra turned host and champion on a memorable Saturday evening, as he clinched the inaugural NC Classic in front of an electrified home crowd and his proud parents.
The 27-year-old double Olympic medallist not only realised his dream of organising a world-class event on Indian soil but also topped the podium with a best throw of 86.18m at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
This marked his third consecutive title in 2025, following wins at the Paris Diamond League (June 20) and the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, Poland (June 24).
Battling the Elements to Triumph
The competition wasn’t easy, as athletes struggled against a strong headwind that made throwing conditions tricky. Kenya’s reigning world champion Julius Yego took second place with 84.51m, while Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage came third with 84.34m.
Despite the challenging weather, Chopra held his nerve after fouling his opening attempt. With the crowd’s rousing support and guidance from coach Jan Zelezny, the Indian star found his rhythm and seized the lead in the third round.
“Mentally Tough, but Satisfying”
Chopra admitted the victory was harder than it looked. “I was expecting a good result, but the wind was quite heavy. I’m happy to win, especially in front of the home crowd and my parents,” he said.
He credited both Yego and Pathirage for pushing him to perform better and acknowledged some technical flaws early on. “Coach told me to relax and throw straight. The crowd’s energy and my competitors’ encouragement helped a lot,” Chopra added.
A Dream Realised: The NC Classic Takes Flight
Organised by Chopra in collaboration with JSW Sports and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the NC Classic attracted a stellar field of 12 javelin throwers, including seven international stars and five Indians.
The event, granted Category A status by World Athletics, was praised for its smooth execution and large turnout. Chopra expressed surprise and delight at the overwhelming support, saying, “I didn’t expect so many people to turn up for the first edition.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Classic
While Chopra celebrated his win, Yego suggested expanding the NC Classic to include other field events like long jump and triple jump in future editions. With India boasting talents like Murali Sreeshankar, the idea holds promise.
Chopra’s win, coupled with the success of the inaugural meet, signals a new chapter for athletics in India—one where world-class competition comes home.
With PTI Inputs
