Bengaluru : In a defining moment for Indian athletics, Neeraj Chopra—Olympic champion, world-beater, and now tournament host—lived up to every bit of his legend at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, clinching gold with a commanding throw of 86.18m. Held at a packed Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, this World Athletics-sanctioned Gold-level meet wasn’t just about medals—it was about setting a new standard for Indian track and field.
More than a sporting spectacle, the event was a statement of intent. Chopra, now 27, not only lent his name to the event but also his might on the field. Despite a nervy start—fouling his first attempt and trailing early leaders Julius Yego of Kenya and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage—he summoned his signature poise and flair in his third throw. The javelin left his hand, the crowd rose in anticipation, and even before it landed, Chopra was already celebrating. The board lit up: 86.18m.
Though short of his personal best from the Doha Diamond League earlier this year, Chopra’s winning effort was enough to edge past former World Champion Yego (84.51m) and the spirited Pathirage (84.34m), who earned silver and bronze respectively.
For the fans, it was the perfect script. For Chopra, it was more than victory—it was validation. “I wasn’t satisfied with the distance,” he admitted, “but considering the wind and the mental pressure of performing at home, I’m content. The response has been overwhelming. I hope this is just the beginning of many world-class meets on Indian soil.”
The meet also saw creditable performances from Indian throwers Sachin Yadav (82.33m) and Yashvir Singh (79.65m), with Yadav briefly in medal contention before Yego’s season-best fourth throw sealed silver.
Notably absent from the podium was 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Röhler of Germany, who bowed out early with a best of just 75.85m.
In the larger picture, the Neeraj Chopra Classic marks a historic leap for India—a shift from participation to leadership in global athletics. With JSW Sports partnering to bring the event to life, the foundations have been laid for a vibrant future, one where Indian soil is not just a battleground for glory, but a hub for the world’s finest to compete.
As Chopra rightly noted, “We’ve shown we can deliver on the field and off it.”
India is no longer just dreaming in gold—it’s beginning to live it.
