'Spark javelin revolution in India': Neeraj Chopra aims to give Indian athletics a boost with Classic meet

Double Olympic medallist and India's golden boy Neeraj Chopra believes his eponymous javelin competition could be the catalyst that transforms India's athletics landscape, as the country prepares to host a world-class field event on Saturday.

The inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic will feature an impressive lineup including 2016 Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler, 2015 World champion Julius Yego, and Chopra himself alongside domestic talent.

"I never dreamt of this event as I had always thought of representing India and winning medals. Apart from the medals, I now feel that I have given something to India and its athletes," Chopra told reporters on Friday ahead of the meet in Bengaluru.


Chopra, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and silver at the 2024 Paris Games, believes "the event is just the start for many more international competitions to come to India" and has grander ambitions beyond Saturday's meet.

"We see so many competitions in Germany - A, B, C category, similarly I wish to see at least five to six such world-class competitions in India as well," the 27-year-old said.

Chopra breached the 90-metre mark with a 90.23 throw at the Doha Diamond League in May, while Yego holds the African record at 92.72m and Rohler's personal best stands at 93.90m.

The field will also showcase India's emerging talent - Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal and Yashvir Singh - competing alongside international stars in what Chopra hopes will soon become a regular occurrence.

Big backing for Javelin event
Chopra has already seen some upswing in the fortunes of javelin after all these efforts, as more sponsors are willing to back these events.

The Neeraj Chopra Classic here has the backing from an impressive bevy of corporates from private and public sectors — from JSW to BPCL.

"Yes, the sponsorship is increasing. I think private companies like JSW, Reliance and others are supporting the athletes individually now, as it was not happening before," Chopra said.

"The athletes are getting a chance to compete abroad. The government's policy has also supported the athletes very well," he said.

Chopra understands that India still has miles to traverse before challenging traditional athletics powerhouses consistently in international competitions, and he wants to see a change at grassroots level.

"I am from a village. I didn't have a stadium. I used to go to Panipat for training. If there was a stadium nearby, maybe more children would be able to train. I see one thing when I fly to Europe. We can see some 50 football stadiums every 10-15 minutes," he said.

"And we will see as many stadiums if we travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. So, there should be as many stadiums as possible," he noted.

Perhaps, the considerable strides that Yadav has made so far in his fledgling career will boost those ambitions of Chopra.

The promising 25-year-old did not want to miss the chance to impress his illustrious peers.

"I couldn't believe that I got a message from Neeraj bhai. Thanks so much to Neeraj bhai for inviting me to this competition.

"I have been excited to play here. There are players from all over the world, the best throwers. I can compete with everyone and that too in India," said an overwhelmed Yadav.

Still, Bengaluru has not entirely woken up to a World Athletics 'A' category event, a first in the city and in the country itself.

"I keep coming to Bangalore. There is a lot of support. Sport is a passion for Bangalore people," Chopra remained optimistic.

Even if the turnout does not match his expectations, Chopra would know that all revolutions in world history had begun with a soft spark.