The highly anticipated global javelin event in India, featuring Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, is set to take place in Panchkula on May 24.
This star-studded meet, named the Neeraj Chopra Classic, will be held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium and marks a major milestone for Indian athletics. Neeraj Chopra, a double Olympic medallist, is playing a significant role in organising the event, which has been granted Category A status by World Athletics.
Although the event is not listed on World Athletics' official Continental Tour calendar, which was finalised before the start of the season, it has received strong backing, including an endorsement from World Athletics President Sebastian Coe earlier this year. Coe expressed confidence that such an event would help demonstrate India’s capacity to host world-class athletics competitions.
Neeraj Chopra is part of the event’s organising committee alongside JSW Sports and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Their collaborative effort has been pivotal in bringing the high-profile event to India. Both Chopra and JSW Sports aim to establish the competition as a regular feature in the World Athletics calendar, with future plans to include additional track and field disciplines.
AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Panchkula, especially at the same stadium where Neeraj trained during his junior years from 2012 to 2015.
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra to head to S Africa for off-season training
Sagoo noted that the location holds sentimental value for Chopra, who hails from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana, and that the athlete likely wished for the event to take place in his home state. He added that Neeraj’s active involvement makes this event a landmark moment for Indian athletics.
Neeraj was first noticed by national coaches despite finishing fifth at the 2015 National Games in Kerala, and was subsequently inducted into the national camp at NIS Patiala later that year.
His selection was based on his gymnast-like body flexibility and exceptionally quick hand speed, as observed by chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair.
Now 27 years old, Neeraj Chopra has recently added legendary javelin thrower Jan Zelezny to his coaching team. He is expected to begin his competitive season at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, with the Panchkula event scheduled as his second outing of the year.
Also Read: Neeraj named best male javelin thrower by top track mag
Follow us
