'Our flag must rise on its own soil': Neeraj Chopra's powerful message ahead of NC Classic
Neeraj Chopra (Image credit: Instagram)
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the much-anticipated
Neeraj Chopra
(NC) Classic in Bengaluru, two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra shared his emotional connection with the tournament, emphasising the pride of competing on home soil.
'Once upon a time, there was a dream — that our flag would soar high, proudly in front of the world. Even today, the dream remains the same, but the stage has changed. Now, our flag must rise on its own soil, among its own people, where the world will witness a rising India. The Neeraj Chopra Classic is not just a competition; it's where every javelin doesn't just land on the ground, but writes history. Watch the world's best javelin throwers compete on the same ground, chasing a new crown,' stated Neeraj Chopra, Olympic Gold Medallist and World Champion.
Originally scheduled for May 24, the NC Classic was postponed to July 5 due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The event will now take place at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
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Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will headline the inaugural meet named in his honour, facing top-tier competition from some of the world's leading javelin throwers.
On Friday, the organisers announced a 12-member entry list, as confirmed by Olympics.com.
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The roster remains almost identical to the original one, with a single change — Japan's Genki Dean has been replaced by Poland's Martin Konecny.
Among the international stars confirmed are former world champion Anderson Peters, Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler, and Julius Yego, the 2015 World Champion and Rio 2016 silver medallist. Also competing are Pan American Games champion Curtis Thompson (USA), Brazil's Luiz Mauricio da Silva, and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage.
India's challenge will be led by Neeraj himself, alongside Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena and fellow throwers Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal. Notably, Sachin Yadav recently clinched a silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, Republic of Korea, finishing behind Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem.
The NC Classic is being co-organised by Neeraj Chopra, JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics (WA).
Initially set to be held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana — Neeraj's home state — the event was moved to Bengaluru due to technical issues with floodlights at the original venue.
Classified as a World Athletics 'A' category or Continental Tour Gold-level meet, the NC Classic will mark the highest-tier international athletics event ever hosted in India.
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Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025
entry list:
Neeraj Chopra (IND).
Anderson Peters (GRN).
Luiz Mauricio da Silva (BRA).
Thomas Rohler (GER).
Curtis Thompson (USA).
Martin Konecny (POL).
Julius Yego (KEN).
Rumesh Pathirage (SRI).
Sachin Yadav (IND).
Rohit Yadav (IND).
Sahil Silwal (IND).
Kishore Jena (IND).
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