Image Source: Deccan Chronicle
Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra has deeply thanked the Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA), and Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES) for their persistent encouragement in hosting the first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) 2025—India's first-ever international marquee javelin event.
Scheduled to take place on July 5 at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the NC Classic has been elevated to Gold Level status by World Athletics, an Indian athletics first. The meet is co-hosted by Neeraj in partnership with JSW Sports, and sanctioned by World Athletics and also by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
A Revamped Stadium
Organizational preparations for the meet have made the Kanteerava Stadium look totally new:
New turf laid for optimal athlete performance
Refurbished seating, VVIP boxes, and pitch-side hospitality zones
Entertainment stage and upgraded lighting for international broadcast standards
Neeraj praised the Karnataka government’s swift action and commitment:
“Their efforts have enabled us to provide world-class facilities for the athletes and an enriching experience for the fans. I’m especially grateful to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Dr. K. Govindaraj for their support,” he said2.
From Panchkula to Bengaluru: A Strategic Decision
First planned in Panchkula, Haryana, the event needed to be relocated to Bengaluru due to infrastructure limitations and travel facilities.
"Bengaluru offered better travel connectivity and climatic conditions. The Karnataka state government was there to the rescue at the right moment," informed Neeraj to NDTV.
Why It Matters
The NC Classic is not just a one-day event—it's a dream for India's future of international sports. Neeraj hopes to inspire more children, attract global talent, and get governments to put money in athletics infrastructure.
"This is something I never imagined. But with this kind of support, it seems like we can do anything," Neeraj said6.
Sources: MSN, NDTV, Telangana Today, The Tribune, Sportstar
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