<p>Bengaluru: In what can be dubbed as one of the biggest international athletics events in India, the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic - a one-day World Athletics gold Category ‘A’ javelin throw meet - will be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 24. </p><p>Originally slated to take place at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula in Haryana - the home state of the double Olympic medallist and reigning world champion - Neeraj announced the change of venue during a virtual media interaction organised by JSW on Monday. </p>.Neeraj Chopra begins season with 84.52m throw in South Africa.<p>“There was an issue with the lighting at the stadium. It is a World Athletics event and the broadcast team requires 600 lux (a measure of the intensity of light) which is not there in Panchkula,” said the 27-year-old who will be one of the competitors in a star-studded line-up. </p><p>“Since there isn’t enough time to upgrade it, we decided to shift the venue to Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. I spoke to Karnataka CM (Siddaramaiah) and he was happy to extend all the support we need.”</p><p>Speaking about the competitors, two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler of Germany and Rio Games silver medallist Julius Yego of Kenya are some of the top stars who will fly down to the city. The Paris Olympics’ gold-medal winner Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan has been invited but is yet to confirm his participation. </p><p>“Yes I have spoken to him (Nadeem). He said he will talk to his coach and then decide. As of now he hasn’t confirmed his entry,” offered Neeraj.</p><p>“There will be 3-4 Indians, including Rohit (Yadav). We will keep an eye on the performances at the Federation Cup starting today. Also, we have only the men’s javelin event this time because our women counterparts will be competing in Rabat, Morocco (one of the Diamond League events) on May 25.”</p><p>After making a habit of clinching medals at the biggest athletics events in the world, Neeraj is now on a mission to give back to the sport. The competition here next month in his name has been a long-standing dream and witnessing its fruition feels surreal, expressed the star athlete. </p><p>“It will be an annual event going forward. We hope to include other events for men and women as well. Especially the ones in which Indians are doing well such as long jump, triple jump, steeplechase and long distance races. The Indian performances in the men’s 100m have been encouraging too. </p><p>“Yes, I have all the medals I have won at home but organising this event is more satisfying because I’m giving back to the Indian track & field community. I hope it throws light on our sport and more Indians understand the hardships we go through to be an athlete." </p><p>Neeraj, who trained at the SAI Centre in Kengeri briefly between 2016-2017, shared fond memories of the city and opined that the cool Bengaluru weather would favour throwers in the ticketed event which also serves as qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13-21. </p><p>“I trained in Bengaluru before setting the junior world record. So the city is close to my heart. I remember travelling in Bengaluru Metro and autos to spend free time during weekends at MG Road or Orion Mall. The airport is really beautiful so we want all the athletes to land here directly. </p><p>“The city has a great sporting culture. I request people to come support us and help us popularise track & field.” </p>
<p>Bengaluru: In what can be dubbed as one of the biggest international athletics events in India, the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic - a one-day World Athletics gold Category ‘A’ javelin throw meet - will be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 24. </p><p>Originally slated to take place at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula in Haryana - the home state of the double Olympic medallist and reigning world champion - Neeraj announced the change of venue during a virtual media interaction organised by JSW on Monday. </p>.Neeraj Chopra begins season with 84.52m throw in South Africa.<p>“There was an issue with the lighting at the stadium. It is a World Athletics event and the broadcast team requires 600 lux (a measure of the intensity of light) which is not there in Panchkula,” said the 27-year-old who will be one of the competitors in a star-studded line-up. </p><p>“Since there isn’t enough time to upgrade it, we decided to shift the venue to Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. I spoke to Karnataka CM (Siddaramaiah) and he was happy to extend all the support we need.”</p><p>Speaking about the competitors, two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, 2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler of Germany and Rio Games silver medallist Julius Yego of Kenya are some of the top stars who will fly down to the city. The Paris Olympics’ gold-medal winner Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan has been invited but is yet to confirm his participation. </p><p>“Yes I have spoken to him (Nadeem). He said he will talk to his coach and then decide. As of now he hasn’t confirmed his entry,” offered Neeraj.</p><p>“There will be 3-4 Indians, including Rohit (Yadav). We will keep an eye on the performances at the Federation Cup starting today. Also, we have only the men’s javelin event this time because our women counterparts will be competing in Rabat, Morocco (one of the Diamond League events) on May 25.”</p><p>After making a habit of clinching medals at the biggest athletics events in the world, Neeraj is now on a mission to give back to the sport. The competition here next month in his name has been a long-standing dream and witnessing its fruition feels surreal, expressed the star athlete. </p><p>“It will be an annual event going forward. We hope to include other events for men and women as well. Especially the ones in which Indians are doing well such as long jump, triple jump, steeplechase and long distance races. The Indian performances in the men’s 100m have been encouraging too. </p><p>“Yes, I have all the medals I have won at home but organising this event is more satisfying because I’m giving back to the Indian track & field community. I hope it throws light on our sport and more Indians understand the hardships we go through to be an athlete." </p><p>Neeraj, who trained at the SAI Centre in Kengeri briefly between 2016-2017, shared fond memories of the city and opined that the cool Bengaluru weather would favour throwers in the ticketed event which also serves as qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13-21. </p><p>“I trained in Bengaluru before setting the junior world record. So the city is close to my heart. I remember travelling in Bengaluru Metro and autos to spend free time during weekends at MG Road or Orion Mall. The airport is really beautiful so we want all the athletes to land here directly. </p><p>“The city has a great sporting culture. I request people to come support us and help us popularise track & field.” </p>