<p>Bengaluru: Neeraj Chopra, one of the most popular Indian sportspersons in recent times -- rivalling even the venerated cricketers -- landed in Bengaluru a few days ago.</p>.<p>The javelin thrower, who has travelled the length and breadth of the globe in his quest for excellence, will be competing in the city for the first time in his career and that too at an international event named after him - The Neeraj Chopra Classic (NCC) - on July 5 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. </p>.<p>The excitement on the face of two-time Olympic medallist is palpable, for he is not only a competitor but also the co-organiser along with JSW Sports come this Saturday. </p>.Neeraj Chopra responds to fan's plea with all-expense paid trip for inaugural NC Classic.<p>“Obviously, I’m very excited,” said Neeraj at a press meet organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) here on Thursday. </p>.<p>“This is good a preparation before going to the Tokyo (World Athletics Championships in September).</p>.<p>“Though I have trained in Bengaluru as a junior, I have never competed. This will be the first time and I’m looking forward to it.” </p>.<p>The NCC, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet, was originally scheduled to be hosted in Panchkula, in Neeraj’s home state Haryana before being moved to Bengaluru due to logistical reasons. </p>.<p>Acknowledging the efforts made by various authorities to accommodate the last-minute shift, the world champion athlete said: “I would like to thank the Government of Karnataka, the KOA and the DYES for playing such a key role in ensuring the stadium meets international standards. A lot of hard work has gone into the revamp, and I’m especially grateful to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, K Govindaraj and all the officials involved.” </p>.<p>On the occasion, the KOA presented Neeraj with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh as a token of appreciation for his achievements. </p>.<p>Stressing on the fact that the main goal of NCC is to inspire the next generation of athletes, the recently crowned Paris Diamond League winner is hopeful of a big turnout at the stadium to not just support him but also the seven international throwers and the four other Indians in fray in the 12-man field. </p>.<p>“I want parents to bring their children to witness the competition.</p>.<p>“We hope to grow in the coming years and add more disciplines to give exposure to Indian athletes doing well in various track & field events and an opportunity to shine on home turf at an international event,” signed off the 27-year-old. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: Neeraj Chopra, one of the most popular Indian sportspersons in recent times -- rivalling even the venerated cricketers -- landed in Bengaluru a few days ago.</p>.<p>The javelin thrower, who has travelled the length and breadth of the globe in his quest for excellence, will be competing in the city for the first time in his career and that too at an international event named after him - The Neeraj Chopra Classic (NCC) - on July 5 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. </p>.<p>The excitement on the face of two-time Olympic medallist is palpable, for he is not only a competitor but also the co-organiser along with JSW Sports come this Saturday. </p>.Neeraj Chopra responds to fan's plea with all-expense paid trip for inaugural NC Classic.<p>“Obviously, I’m very excited,” said Neeraj at a press meet organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) here on Thursday. </p>.<p>“This is good a preparation before going to the Tokyo (World Athletics Championships in September).</p>.<p>“Though I have trained in Bengaluru as a junior, I have never competed. This will be the first time and I’m looking forward to it.” </p>.<p>The NCC, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet, was originally scheduled to be hosted in Panchkula, in Neeraj’s home state Haryana before being moved to Bengaluru due to logistical reasons. </p>.<p>Acknowledging the efforts made by various authorities to accommodate the last-minute shift, the world champion athlete said: “I would like to thank the Government of Karnataka, the KOA and the DYES for playing such a key role in ensuring the stadium meets international standards. A lot of hard work has gone into the revamp, and I’m especially grateful to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, K Govindaraj and all the officials involved.” </p>.<p>On the occasion, the KOA presented Neeraj with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh as a token of appreciation for his achievements. </p>.<p>Stressing on the fact that the main goal of NCC is to inspire the next generation of athletes, the recently crowned Paris Diamond League winner is hopeful of a big turnout at the stadium to not just support him but also the seven international throwers and the four other Indians in fray in the 12-man field. </p>.<p>“I want parents to bring their children to witness the competition.</p>.<p>“We hope to grow in the coming years and add more disciplines to give exposure to Indian athletes doing well in various track & field events and an opportunity to shine on home turf at an international event,” signed off the 27-year-old. </p>