<p>Bengaluru: First it was Kip Keino Classic in Kenya, and later the Mondo Classic in Sweden named after middle and long-distance great Kipchoge Keino and pole vault legend-in-the-making Armando Duplantis respectively. </p>.<p>Now, India’s very own two-time Olympic medallist and world champion Neeraj Chopra will be joining the duo when he co-hosts and competes at the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, in the city on Saturday.</p>.<p>After a venue shift from Panchkula due to logistical issues and the event getting postponed due to India-Pakistan crossborder tensions in May, the javelin throw-only competition is all set to kick-off at 7 pm at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. </p>.<p>“I had never dreamt this kind of a dream growing up,” said Neeraj to a gathering of media persons at the pre-event presser on Friday.</p>.Traffic restrictions in Bengaluru for Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw event on July 5.<p>“The dream was always to represent India and win medals at the biggest stage. I have so much peace.. and happy that this is what I’m giving back to the sport and Indian athletes.”</p>.<p>Though there have been a few last-minute withdrawals, Grenada’s Anderson Peters being the most notable, the 12-man field includes multiple Olympic and world champions who are eager to showcase their wares to the Indian audience.</p>.<p>Leading the pack is Germany’s Thomas Rohler (2016 Olympic champion), Kenya’s Julius Yego (2015 world champion) and USA’s Curtis Thompson (Pan American Games champ). The other internationals are Czech Republic’s Martin Konecny, Barzil’s Luiz Mauricio Da Silva, Sri Lankan Rumesh Pathirage and Poland’s Cyprian Mrzyglod. </p>.<p>Apart from Neeraj, four other Indians - Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, Rohit Yadav and Sahil Silwal will be seen soaking in the top-class atmosphere and raring to make an impression in front of the home crowd.</p>.<p>There are placing points to be earned with the NCC also acting as a qualification event for the World Championships in Tokyo (September). </p>.<p>Terming the event as a new beginning for Indian track & field, Neeraj said: “There are such competitions in Europe almost every week. We should strive to at least organise 6-7 international events each year.” </p>.<p>While the battle between Rohler, Yego and Neeraj will make for a riveting one, it will be interesting to see who makes the best use of the overcast and cool Bengaluru weather to unleash the best throw. </p>.<p>Over the last few days, the Kanteerava has undergone a mini make-over. The buzz in the city has been about a sport made a household name by Neeraj. The crowd favourite is no secret but every effort of all the javelin throwers is sure to be lapped up.</p>.<p><em>Highlights - Key information When: July 5, 2025 from 7.00 PM onwards Where: Sree Kanteerava Stadium Where to watch: Star Sports 1, 2 & JioHotstar</em></p>
<p>Bengaluru: First it was Kip Keino Classic in Kenya, and later the Mondo Classic in Sweden named after middle and long-distance great Kipchoge Keino and pole vault legend-in-the-making Armando Duplantis respectively. </p>.<p>Now, India’s very own two-time Olympic medallist and world champion Neeraj Chopra will be joining the duo when he co-hosts and competes at the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event, in the city on Saturday.</p>.<p>After a venue shift from Panchkula due to logistical issues and the event getting postponed due to India-Pakistan crossborder tensions in May, the javelin throw-only competition is all set to kick-off at 7 pm at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. </p>.<p>“I had never dreamt this kind of a dream growing up,” said Neeraj to a gathering of media persons at the pre-event presser on Friday.</p>.Traffic restrictions in Bengaluru for Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw event on July 5.<p>“The dream was always to represent India and win medals at the biggest stage. I have so much peace.. and happy that this is what I’m giving back to the sport and Indian athletes.”</p>.<p>Though there have been a few last-minute withdrawals, Grenada’s Anderson Peters being the most notable, the 12-man field includes multiple Olympic and world champions who are eager to showcase their wares to the Indian audience.</p>.<p>Leading the pack is Germany’s Thomas Rohler (2016 Olympic champion), Kenya’s Julius Yego (2015 world champion) and USA’s Curtis Thompson (Pan American Games champ). The other internationals are Czech Republic’s Martin Konecny, Barzil’s Luiz Mauricio Da Silva, Sri Lankan Rumesh Pathirage and Poland’s Cyprian Mrzyglod. </p>.<p>Apart from Neeraj, four other Indians - Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, Rohit Yadav and Sahil Silwal will be seen soaking in the top-class atmosphere and raring to make an impression in front of the home crowd.</p>.<p>There are placing points to be earned with the NCC also acting as a qualification event for the World Championships in Tokyo (September). </p>.<p>Terming the event as a new beginning for Indian track & field, Neeraj said: “There are such competitions in Europe almost every week. We should strive to at least organise 6-7 international events each year.” </p>.<p>While the battle between Rohler, Yego and Neeraj will make for a riveting one, it will be interesting to see who makes the best use of the overcast and cool Bengaluru weather to unleash the best throw. </p>.<p>Over the last few days, the Kanteerava has undergone a mini make-over. The buzz in the city has been about a sport made a household name by Neeraj. The crowd favourite is no secret but every effort of all the javelin throwers is sure to be lapped up.</p>.<p><em>Highlights - Key information When: July 5, 2025 from 7.00 PM onwards Where: Sree Kanteerava Stadium Where to watch: Star Sports 1, 2 & JioHotstar</em></p>