On July 5, 2025, Bengaluru’s Sri Kanteerava Stadium was filled with energy and excitement as India’s rising star and two-time Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra, won the inaugural javelin throw of the 2025 National Classic with a throw of 86.18 meters. This historic feat, India’s first Gold Level event on the World Athletics Continental Tour, showcased Chopra’s talent against a star-studded team. Kenya’s Julius Yego took silver with a throw of 84.51 meters, and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathiraj took bronze, also with a throw of 84.34 meters. This milestone not only highlighted Neeraj’s dominance but also marked a new chapter for Indian athletics.
A Historic Night for Indian Athletics
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, co-organized by Neeraj himself alongside JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics, was more than just a competition—it was a carnival of javelin throwing that drew 14,593 passionate fans to the stands. Originally planned for Panchkula, Haryana, the event was shifted to Bengaluru due to floodlight issues and postponed from May to July amid India-Pakistan tensions. Despite these challenges, the vibrant atmosphere at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, coupled with pre-event performances by Haryanvi rapper Dhanda Nyoliwala and the Vixens Crew, set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning world champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist, entered the NC Classic as the favorite, riding a wave of success with recent wins at the Paris Diamond League (88.16m) and Ostrava Golden Spike (85.29m). His 90.23m throw at the Doha Diamond League earlier in 2025, a national record, had already set high expectations. However, Bengaluru’s swirling winds posed a unique challenge, forcing athletes to adapt between headwind and tailwind javelins.
Neeraj Chopra’s Journey to Gold
The competition saw 12 world-class javelin throwers, including Olympic medalists like Germany’s Thomas Röhler and Kenya’s Julius Yego, alongside rising stars such as Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage and India’s Sachin Yadav. Neeraj’s performance was a masterclass in resilience. His first throw was a foul, a rare misstep that briefly unsettled the crowd. But the 27-year-old champion bounced back with an 82.99m throw in his second attempt, climbing to the top of the leaderboard. It was his third throw, a sensational 86.18m, that sealed his dominance, reclaiming the lead from Pathirage’s impressive 84.34m. Despite a foul in the fourth round and throws of 84.07m and 82.22m in the final rounds, Neeraj’s third attempt held firm as the winning mark.
Neeraj admitted post-event that the pressure of performing on home soil, coupled with his role as an organizer, made the competition mentally taxing. “I was under pressure to perform in front of the home crowd,” he shared, adding that the windy conditions prevented him from chasing a longer throw. Yet, his 86.18m effort was enough to secure his 25th consecutive top-two finish since June 2021, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest athletes.
International Stars Shine Bright
Kenya’s Julius Yego, a 2015 world champion and Rio 2016 silver medallist, delivered a season-best throw of 84.51m in his fourth attempt, earning silver and thrilling the crowd with his consistency. Yego, affectionately known as “Mr. YouTube” for his self-taught javelin journey, praised the vibrant Bengaluru atmosphere, saying, “I was joining the fun with the crowd.” Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage emerged as the surprise package, momentarily leading with his 84.34m throw before finishing third. His performance underscored the rising talent in South Asian athletics. India’s Sachin Yadav, touted as the next big thing, finished fourth with a solid 82.33m, reinforcing his potential as a future star.
A Movement Beyond the Medal
The NC Classic was more than a sporting event; it was a testament to Neeraj Chopra’s vision to elevate athletics in India. Inspired by his coach, javelin legend Jan Zelezny, Neeraj took on the dual role of athlete and organizer, ensuring a world-class experience for competitors and fans alike. The event’s success, marked by a packed stadium and global attention, signals a shift in India’s sports culture, proving it’s not just a cricket-crazy nation. As Neeraj noted, “The way people loved this event, we’ll try to add more events like the NC Classic.” His ambition to bring a Diamond League to India reflects his commitment to growing the sport.
The felicitation of Zelezny and the presence of Neeraj’s family added a personal touch to the evening. For young fans in the stands, the NC Classic was a moment of inspiration, sparking dreams of athletic greatness. World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwalla hailed Neeraj as “the greatest athlete India has ever produced,” a sentiment echoed by the roaring crowd.
Looking Ahead
The NC Classic 2025 is a stepping stone for Neeraj Chopra as he prepares to defend his world championship title in Tokyo later this year. While he expressed mild disappointment at not breaching the 90m mark again, his victory in Bengaluru was a triumph of heart and precision. For Indian athletics, the event sets a precedent for hosting elite global competitions, with Neeraj leading the charge both on and off the field.
As Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium basked in the afterglow of this historic night, the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 proved that when excellence meets passion, Indian sports fans show up to celebrate. With plans to expand the event to include more disciplines, Neeraj Chopra’s legacy as an athlete and visionary continues to soar.
