Neeraj Chopra Classic Shifted to Bengaluru from Panchkula, Suspense Over Arshad Nadeem's Participation

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New Delhi, April 21: The inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NCC), an elite javelin-only meet named after India's two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion, has been officially confirmed for May 24, 2025.

The event, sanctioned as a World Athletics 'A' category competition, will now be held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, instead of its originally planned venue in Panchkula, Haryana.

Neeraj Chopra himself confirmed the development during a virtual media interaction organised by JSW on Monday (April 21), citing technical challenges as the primary reason behind the shift in venue.

"The preparations were in full swing to host the event in Panchkula and I was personally keen on holding it there as it is my home turf," Neeraj stated. "However, due to technical reasons - which are mainly related to lighting facilities- we decided to move this year's competition to Bengaluru. Apparently, you need to have better lighting infrastructure to host an event of such magnitude."

Apart from technical constraints, the severe heat in North India during May was also a deciding factor. Bengaluru, with its milder evening climate, offers a more favourable environment for both athletes and spectators. The Kanteerava Stadium, which also serves as the home ground for Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, boasts international-standard lighting - a critical requirement for an event of this scale.

Neeraj, who is not just the face of the event but also an integral part of its organising committee, confirmed that he will compete in the one-day meet. "I will compete in the NC Classic competition," he said, further revealing that the javelin lineup will feature Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, Thomas Röhler, and Curtis Thompson, among other global stars.

When asked about Pakistan's reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, Chopra mentioned that discussions were ongoing. "We've spoken to Arshad Nadeem, but nothing has been confirmed yet. He's in discussion with his coach. We'll confirm it for you soon."

The NC Classic, recognised by World Athletics, carries the same ranking points as a Continental Tour Gold event. As part of the broader World Athletics Continental Tour, the meet is set to become a prestigious stop for javelin throwers worldwide. It also serves as a qualification event for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo-an event Neeraj has already qualified for.

"It has been a longstanding dream of mine to organise and bring a world-class javelin competition to India," said Neeraj. "I am sure that my fellow athletes and the fans in India will both create an experience that will be spoken about for a long time. I am excited to see how big we can make this."

This will be the first time since the 2024 Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar that Neeraj Chopra will compete in front of a home crowd, adding an emotional dimension to the already high-profile competition.

The Karnataka state government has extended full support for the event, with Neeraj confirming communication with the Chief Minister, who has pledged every possible help to ensure its success.