Bengaluru: India’s golden boy and two-time Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) and the Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES) for their unwavering support towards the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025—India’s first-ever international javelin competition.
Set to take place on Saturday, July 5, at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the event marks a historic moment for Indian athletics. Organised in collaboration with JSW Sports and sanctioned by World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the Neeraj Chopra Classic has been awarded Gold Level status, placing it among the most prestigious track and field meets in the world.
In the lead-up to the event, the iconic stadium has undergone significant upgrades. Several stands have been renovated, corporate and VVIP boxes installed in the North Stand, and a pitch-side hospitality zone created for fans to enjoy an immersive viewing experience. A new entertainment stage has been added to the South Stand, and the main turf has been completely re-laid to meet global standards for athlete performance.
Speaking at a pre-event press conference hosted by the KOA and DYES, Neeraj Chopra said:
“I sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka, KOA and DYES for their incredible support. The transformation of the stadium has been outstanding. From infrastructure to logistics, every detail has been taken care of. I especially want to thank Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, Dr. K. Govindaraj, and all officials involved in making this vision a reality. We are proud to host some of the world’s best athletes here in Bengaluru.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, too, expressed pride in hosting the event, stating:
“When we were approached to host this event, we gave our full support. It’s an honour that Neeraj Chopra—India’s most decorated Olympic athlete—is bringing a global-level competition to our state. Karnataka is proud to contribute to what could be a new chapter in Indian athletics.”
Dr. K. Govindaraj, MLC and President of the KOA, added:
“Our teams at KOA and DYES have worked round-the-clock to elevate the stadium’s standards. We’ve ensured that athletes and fans will enjoy a world-class experience. This event reflects our commitment to advancing India’s presence in global athletics. Neeraj Chopra has been an inspiration to millions, and we are honoured to support his dream.”
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is set to bring together top javelin throwers from across the world, with athletes from Germany, Brazil, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the USA, and India all expected to participate. With live music, entertainment, and top-tier competition, the event promises to be a grand celebration of sporting excellence in the heart of Bengaluru.
Event Details:
- Date: July 5, 2025
- Time: 7 PM IST onwards
- Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
- Tickets: Book here
- Watch Live: Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, and JioHotstar
This landmark event underscores Neeraj Chopra’s mission to uplift Indian athletics and give the next generation of throwers a global platform—on home soil.
