NC Classic Preview: Bengaluru Ready For Neeraj Chopra's Gold Event As Indian Javelin Stars Chase World Athletics Glory

"This is the finest Sree Kanteerava Stadium has looked in a while" summed up the mood on July 4, as Bengaluru geared up for the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025. With just hours to go, athletes warmed up on the field, fine-tuning run-ups, testing the runway, and settling into the atmosphere. Javelins sliced through the air as Indian and overseas throwers worked to find rhythm before the NC Classic.

While the athletes trained, the stadium got its final touches. Lights came on, speakers were tested, and the stands were given one last shine. There were no podiums yet, but the mood was hard to miss. For a prep day, it felt oddly satisfying, a bit like watching Chopra’s 90.23m throw sail through the air. That was different, of course, but this came pretty close.

While the golden boy Chopra had fans all around him, everyone just wanted to watch him train, see him throw, and grab a picture, and he delivered on all of it.

And Chopra knew it meant something big for Indian athletics. Speaking at the pre-event press conference, he said, "Yesterday, I was training in the gym at the Kanteerava Stadium. Thomas and the other throwers were out on the field. That’s when it hit me. This is what I wanted, and it’s finally happening."

"I never even dreamed of something like this. I just wanted to represent India and win medals. And that has happened. But this feels different," he added.

"Now there is peace in my mind that something like this is happening. Medals are one thing. But this feels like I have given something back to India."

Yashvir Singh Set For Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Among the athletes training ahead of the Neeraj Chopra Classic, Yashvir Singh looked calm and locked in. The Indian javelin thrower is making his way back after a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of last season.

His spot at the meet came after Kishore Jena was ruled out with an ankle injury, and Singh was named as his replacement in the final entry list.

He competed only once in 2025, at the Asian Championships in Gumi, Korea, where he recorded a personal best of 82.57m. Now, he’s back and glad to be part of the action again.

"I’m very excited," he told Outlook. "The competition is tomorrow, and I’ll be competing with Olympic champions. I’ll try to do my personal best. The craze is great."

The injury was tough, and he didn’t hide that. "Right now, I’m fit. And when you’re fit, it shows in your performance. That injury phase was bad. It weakens your muscles."

He’s looking forward to what lies ahead. "I’m excited to compete against all of them. I’m sure the environment tomorrow will be electric. Can’t wait."

Singh first caught attention in 2021 when he broke Chopra’s U-20 Fed Cup meet record with a 78.68m throw. Now, he’s ready for a comeback, this time on Indian soil.

Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 - Preview

The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 will be held on Saturday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone for Indian athletics. This is India’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Level meet, a top-tier global event named after the country’s Olympic and world champion.

Originally scheduled for May in Panchkula, the event was shifted to Bengaluru due to floodlight issues and later postponed to July 5 amid India-Pakistan cross-border tensions.

Co-organised by Neeraj himself, JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India, and World Athletics, the meet features a stellar field. Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler of Germany and world medallist Julius Yego of Kenya headline the international names, while Asian silver medallist Sachin Yadav joins Chopra in leading the Indian challenge.

Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025: Full Line-up And Personal Bests

Thomas Rohler (Germany) – PB: 93.90m, SB: 80.79m

Julius Yego (Kenya) – PB: 92.72m, SB: 83.08m

Neeraj Chopra (India) – PB: 90.23m, SB: 90.23m

Curtis Thompson (USA) – PB: 87.76m, SB: 87.76m

Luiz Mauricio Da Silva (Brazil) – PB: 86.62m, SB: 86.62m

Cyprian Mrzyglod (Poland) – PB: 85.92m, SB: 85.92m

Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka) – PB: 85.45m, SB: 85.41m

Sachin Yadav (India) – PB: 85.16m, SB: 85.16m

Rohit Yadav (India) – PB: 83.40m, SB: 80.47m

Yashvir Singh (India) – PB: 82.57m, SB: 82.57m

Sahil Silwal (India) – PB: 81.81m, SB: 77.84m

Martin Konecny (Czech Republic) – PB: 80.59m, SB: 80.59m