By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, July 5 (UNI) In a stirring spectacle that fused sport with celebration, Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra today claimed gold with a thunderous 86.18m throw at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, electrifying a roaring home fans at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
The historic evening wasn’t just about victory, but about legacy — India, for the first time, played host to a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold-level event dedicated solely to the javelin, marking a monumental chapter in the country’s sporting journey.
Neeraj, bearing the twin roles of star competitor and meet co-organiser, shrugged off an opening foul and summoned his best in the third round to surge ahead. The packed stadium erupted as his javelin pierced the Bengaluru sky, landing deep into golden territory. Kenya’s Julius Yego, the 2015 World Champion, took silver with 84.51m, while Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage edged out others for bronze with 84.34m.
The meet, orchestrated by JSW Sports and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in collaboration with World Athletics, showcased a glittering array of 12 elite javelin talents from across continents, a convergence of spears, skills, and stories.
Germany’s Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler, American champion Curtis Thompson, and Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva added international gravitas to the field. India’s own hopefuls — Yashvir Singh, Rohit Yadav, and Sachin Yadav — found themselves on a global platform like never before.
“This is not just a meet — it’s a movement,” said Neeraj, visibly moved. “To compete and co-host a global event at home is overwhelming. It’s a dream come true — not just for me, but for Indian javelin.” Now ranked World No. 1 with 1,445 points, Neeraj dedicated the gold to the “next generation of throwers who must believe India is ready for the world stage.”
The evening unfurled with a heartfelt moment — each athlete entered hand-in-hand with children, representing the sport’s future. Cultural dances added colour and soul, and the national anthem resonated across the stadium as tricolour flags waved in every direction. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with senior World Athletics delegates, graced the occasion, underlining the significance of this international milestone.
AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo called the event “a giant leap for Indian athletics,” pointing out the rarity of an elite meet being named after a living legend. “Neeraj is not just a champion — he is an inspiration,” he said. World Athletics Vice President and former AFI chief Adille Sumariwalla echoed that sentiment, calling Neeraj “India’s greatest-ever athlete” and hailing him for turning India into a javelin destination.
In a poignant interlude, legendary Czech coach and three-time Olympic gold medallist Jan Zelezny — Neeraj’s idol and guiding force — was felicitated amidst emotional cheers. The evening sparkled further with a high-octane musical performance by rapper Dhanda Nyoliwala, who blended rhythm and rebellion in tribute to the champion’s journey.
The win also extends Neeraj’s unbeaten streak this season, coming on the back of triumphs at the Doha Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike. His eyes are now firmly set on the World Championships in Tokyo later this year.
As fireworks lit up the night sky and chants of “Neeraj! Neeraj!” echoed through the stadium, the Neeraj Chopra Classic delivered more than just medals — it heralded the rise of India as a confident, proud, and poised host of worldclass sporting spectacle.
In that moment, beneath the floodlights and rising applause, the javelin — once an ancient weapon — became a modern symbol of India’s global athletic ambition.
