The Neeraj Chopra Classic Javelin throw meet, which was scheduled to take place on May 24, in Bengaluru, has been postponed in the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions.
The organisers of the event shared a statement on social media platforms, “In light of the current situation, the inaugural edition of the NC Classic stands postponed until further notice,” the statement noted. “This decision has been made after careful thought and consultation, with the well-being of athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community as the top priority.
“We believe in the unifying power of sport. But, in this critical moment, standing firm with the nation matters most. All our gratitude and thoughts at this point are only with our Armed Forces, who are at the forefront for our nation. A revised schedule for the NC Classic will be provided in due course. Jai Hind,” the statement added.
Neeraj Chopra will next compete at the Doha Diamond League on May 16
In a press conference last month, Neeraj had observed that he wanted to give something back to Indian athletics, and it was a dream come true to host the event. “People always ask me about what next after Olympics, World Championships, Diamond League, etc. All my medals are special and are kept at home. It’s great that I have won those. But hosting such an event, I actually feel that I have given something back to Indian athletics.”
Incidentally, Neeraj had also indicated that Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem was invited to the event. Later on, he went on to issue a statement that his Pakistan rival wouldn’t participate in the tournament after 26 tourists were killed in the terrorist attack, in Pahalgam, on April 22.
The two-time Olympic medallist will next compete at the Doha Diamond League on May 16. Earlier in the year, he also triumphed at the Potch Invitational meet in South Africa.
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