Neeraj Chopra's NC Classic Javelin Event Delayed Amidst India-Pakistan Concerns: Olympic Champion's Statement on Postponement.
  • 773 views
  • 2 min read
  • 1 likes

The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic), a javelin throw event scheduled for May 24, 2025, in Bengaluru, has been postponed until further notice due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision, announced on May 9, 2025, was made after careful consideration and consultation, prioritizing the well-being of athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community.

In a statement, the organizers emphasized their belief in the unifying power of sport but affirmed that "in this critical moment, standing firm with the nation matters most". They expressed gratitude and thoughts for the Armed Forces "who are at the forefront for our nation". A revised schedule for the NC Classic, a World Athletics 'A' category meet, will be shared in due course.

Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and reigning world champion, had previously expressed his excitement about hosting the event, stating it was a dream come true and a way to give back to Indian athletics. He noted that hosting such an event made him feel he was contributing to Indian athletics.

The NC Classic was set to be the highest-tier international athletics competition hosted in India. Besides Neeraj Chopra, the event was to feature a world-class field of javelin throwers, including two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, Rio 2016 Olympic gold medalist Thomas Rohler of Germany, and 2015 world champion Julius Yego of Kenya. Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan was invited but opted out to focus on the Asian Athletics Championships.

The event was initially planned for Panchkula but was moved to Bengaluru due to logistical reasons, specifically issues with the floodlights at the Panchkula stadium. World Athletics requires 600 lux of lighting for such events. The NC Classic is jointly organized by Neeraj Chopra, JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics (WA).

Neeraj Chopra began his 2025 season with a win at the Potch Invitational in South Africa and was scheduled to compete at the Doha Diamond League on May 16 before the NC Classic. He is also on the entry list for the Golden Spike athletics meet in Czechia scheduled for June.

The postponement comes after a terror attack in Pahalgam. Following the attack, Neeraj Chopra faced criticism on social media for inviting Arshad Nadeem, which led him to clarify that the invitation was extended before the attack and that Nadeem's participation was no longer possible.


Written By
Krishnan Patel is a promising journalist, bringing a fresh perspective and a dedication to impactful storytelling, alongside a passion for sports. With a recent Journalism degree, Krishnan is particularly keen on exploring socio-political issues and economic developments. He's committed to thorough research and crafting narratives that inform and engage readers, aiming to contribute meaningful insights to current media discourse, all while staying connected to his love for sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360