Neeraj Chopra Classic: A New Era for Javelin Throw in India

Inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic Set for May 24

The first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) javelin throw event is scheduled to take place at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, on May 24, as confirmed by World Athletics, according to reports from a Media House.

This one-day competition, known as the NC Classic, has been designated as a World Athletics 'A' category event, which aligns it with the Continental Tour Gold-level competitions in terms of ranking points.

The Continental Tour serves as a second-tier global athletics series, positioned just below the prestigious Diamond League. It was introduced in 2020, succeeding the World Challenge series, and comprises four levels: gold, silver, bronze, and challenger.

Headlined by India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the tournament is anticipated to attract elite male and female javelin athletes from across the globe, marking a significant occasion as it will be the first time such an event is hosted in India.

Adille Sumariwalla, the former president of the Athletics Federation of India, previously mentioned that the invitational event would showcase the top 10 javelin throwers worldwide in both men's and women's categories.

Neeraj Chopra aims to establish this event as an annual highlight in the global athletics calendar, with aspirations to incorporate additional track and field events in the future.

"It has always been my dream to organize a world-class javelin competition in India. I believe that both my fellow athletes and the Indian fans will contribute to an unforgettable experience. I am eager to see how grand we can make this event," Neeraj expressed earlier this year.

Neeraj last competed on Indian soil during the National Federation Senior Athletics Competition in Bhubaneswar in 2024, where he achieved a throw of 82.27 meters as part of his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

At the Summer Games, the 27-year-old was unable to defend his gold medal but showcased an impressive performance, finishing with a best throw of 89.45 meters to secure a silver medal. Despite a strong second attempt, he faced challenges with four consecutive foul throws that hindered his chances for gold.