Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025: Will PAK's Arshad Nadeem participate in India's 1st international javelin event? Athletes, date & more
This World Athletics Gold level event, which brings together world champions, Olympic medalists, and elite throwers from around the world, strives to raise the level of track and field in India. A total of 12 athletes will compete in the event, including India's Golden Boy Neeraj Chopra.
Is Arshad Nadeem part of Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025?
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic men's javelin gold medallist, declined the invitation to compete in the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic on May 24 in Bengaluru, citing his preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea.
Neeraj Chopra, however, had faced criticism for inviting Nadeem amid the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attacks. Addressing the backlash, Chopra clarified that the invitations were sent before the incident. He emphasized that his gesture was purely one of sportsmanship and explained that the event aimed to bring top global talent to India.
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All about Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025
Date: July 5, 2025
July 5, 2025 Time: 07:00 PM IST
07:00 PM IST Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru Where to buy tickets: District By Zomato
District By Zomato Where to watch on TV: Star Sports 1 Hindi and Star Sports 2
Star Sports 1 Hindi and Star Sports 2 Where to watch on OTT: JioHotstar
List of Participants: International Contingent:
Thomas Röhler (Germany): A legend in the sport, Röhler is the 2016 Olympic champion and one of javelin's all-time greats. His personal best stands at a staggering 93.90m.
Julius Yego (Kenya): Known as the "YouTube Man" for learning javelin via online videos, Yego is the 2015 World Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist. He has played a pivotal role in popularizing javelin in Africa. His personal best is 92.72m.
Curtis Thompson (USA): The top-ranked American javelin thrower, Thompson won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and is a regular on the Diamond League circuit. His personal best is 87.76m.
Martin Konečný (Czech Republic): The 27-year-old Czech athlete reached a personal best of 80.59m in 2025. He was a finalist at the 2022 European Athletics Championships and continues to be a top contender in his nation.
Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil): A consistent performer in South America, Luiz has earned several podium finishes at the South American Athletics Championships. His personal best is 86.62m.
Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka): A rising star in Asian athletics, Pathirage recently set a new national record and clinched gold at the Asian Throwing Championships. His personal best is 85.45m.
Cyprian Mrzygłod (Poland): At 27, Mrzygłod is the 2019 European U23 Champion. He set a new personal best of 85.92m in Kuortane earlier this year.
Indian Contingent at the Forefront
Neeraj Chopra: India's biggest track and field icon, Neeraj is the reigning Olympic champion, World champion, and the country's first Diamond League winner. His personal best is 90.23m.
Sachin Yadav: A strong contender, 25-year-old Sachin holds a personal best of 85.16m. He recently bagged gold at both the National Games and the Federation Cup after winning silver at the Asian Championships.
Rohit Yadav: Returning from surgery in 2023, Rohit marked his comeback with a silver medal at the 2025 National Games. His personal best is 83.40m.
Sahil Silwal: A promising 24-year-old, Sahil has a personal best of 81.81m, achieved during his gold-winning throw at the National Inter-State Championships. He also claimed gold at the 2024 Winckelmann Games in Germany.
Yashvir Singh: Yashvir rose to fame after breaking Neeraj Chopra's U-20 Federation Cup record in 2021. He recently threw a personal best of 82.57m at the 2025 Asian Championships in Gumi, Korea.
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