In a historic moment for Indian athletics, Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra showcased his extraordinary talent during the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, held at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The event drew an impressive crowd of 14,593 fans, marking a significant shift in India’s sporting culture as it celebrated track and field, led by one of its most celebrated athletes.
In an unusual dual role as both competitor and co-organiser, Lt Col Chopra was pivotal to the success of the nation’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet. True to his exceptional form, the Olympic and World Champion delivered a remarkable performance, needing only one outstanding throw to capture the gold medal. After a false start with his first attempt, Chopra launched his second throw to a distance of 82.99 metres, swiftly climbing to the top of the leaderboard. When Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage briefly took the lead with an impressive 84.34 metres, Chopra responded magnificently with a throw of 86.18 metres, demonstrating not only his athletic prowess but also his mental toughness and competitive spirit, despite challenging cold and windy conditions.
Kenya’s Julius Yego later threatened with an 84.51-metre throw, but the gold medal was firmly secured in Chopra’s grasp. Since 2021, he has exhibited remarkable consistency on the international athletics circuit, consistently finishing among the top competitors in major events.
However, the essence of the event transcended the medals. The electric atmosphere resonated throughout the venue as fans were treated to energetic performances, including rap acts by Haryana’s Dhanda Nyoliwala and lively dance crews, punctuating the event with passion and enthusiasm. The vocal chants from supporters in the West Block underscored the growing fervor for athletics in India.
Despite limited promotional efforts leading up to the meet, the turnout was overwhelming, with spectators filling the stands well ahead of the competition. This spectacle marked a significant moment for Lt Col Chopra, blending both personal achievement and a sense of responsibility to inspire future generations.
Reflecting on the successful completion of the event during the post-competition press conference, Chopra emphasized both the competitive aspect and the broader vision for Indian athletics.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic emerged not merely as a sporting event but as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the potential of Indian athletics. At its helm was a soldier-athlete who continues to redefine the boundaries of achievement, both within the sporting realm and beyond.
