Abhishek Mishra in Bengaluru
On Saturday night, Sree Kanteerava Stadium roared with energy and emotion. Close to 15,000 fans watched Neeraj Chopra clinch the top spot at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic. The two-time Olympic medallist hurled his javelin to 86.18m to overcome strong headwinds and a field of top throwers. It was a landmark moment for Indian athletics not only because of the list of participants, but also because of the atmosphere it created.
At the post-event press conference, Neeraj started by thanking all those who helped make this possible, especially the Athletics Federation of India, World Athletics, Karnataka government and the JSW team. “This is a huge step for our country. This level of support, the energy… it felt like a dream,” he said. “I didn’t expect such a big crowd in the very first edition.”
Neeraj was not just a participant. He was involved with the organising part as well. “Some overseas athletes initially found the food a bit too spicy. It’s good for us, not for them,” he shared with a smile. “So we made changes.”
Neeraj said that competing remains the more challenging role. “As an athlete, you can’t compromise on rest, food, training or mindset,” he said. “Organising events is tough too, but I’ll always choose to be an athlete.”
The former Olympic champion also reflected on the pressure of performing in front of the home crowd. “It felt incredible to compete in India again. When I heard the national anthem and saw the stands full, I was emotional. I’ve trained in Bengaluru and I know fans here are passionate, especially the BFC football crowd. Still, I wasn’t sure how many would turn up. Eventually, the atmosphere was electric.”
Conditions at the Kanteerava were not easy. The headwind was a challenge for every thrower. “It reminded me of Doha,” Neeraj said. “Technically, I made some mistakes at the start. I was drifting left. My coach, Jan Železný, told me to stay straight and relaxed.”
Neeraj’s first throw was a foul. “I was too close to the line. There was a lot of energy, but it wasn’t properly channelled,” he explained. “After that, I made adjustments. I found my rhythm, and things clicked.”
One of the most memorable aspects of the evening for Neeraj was the response of the crowd. “Their support was incredible. On the runway, I could feel their energy. When I celebrated after the big throw, it wasn’t just about distance. It was also a moment we shared.”
Reflecting on the overall conduct of the meet, Neeraj acknowledged that a few things didn’t go perfectly. “Entry timings were a bit delayed and the javelins didn’t arrive on time. That made me anxious both as an athlete and an organiser. But these are lessons for the next time.”
Indian athletes have long performed in near-empty stadiums. The sight of thousands cheering for javelin throwers was surreal. “This is what we’ve dreamed of. Years ago, we competed in silence. Today, fans came and supported us with full heart. That’s a win for all of Indian athletics.”
Kenyan star Julius Yego, who finished second with a throw of 84.51m, enjoyed the experience. “It felt like home,” he said. “The hotel, the weather, the energy — everything was great. Even though Neeraj is your champion, Indian fans still send me messages, saying ‘Push Neeraj!’ That’s really special.”
The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of Indian athletics on an international stage.
Follow Revsportz for more updates