Top javelin throwers from around the world will compete at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic this Saturday in Bengaluru, alongside India’s finest, including two-time Olympic medalist and tournament founder Neeraj Chopra.
Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra enters the event as the clear favorite. He began the season by crossing the 90m mark for the first time, followed by victories at the Paris Diamond League and the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, Czechia. Competing in India for the first time since last year’s Federation Cup, Neeraj aims to match or surpass his 90.23m throw from the Doha Diamond League in May.
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Thomas Rohler
The 2016 Olympic champion is the most high-profile international athlete at this year’s Neeraj Chopra Classic. After a back injury disrupted his Tokyo Olympics campaign, he hasn’t competed at the elite level since 2020. This year, he has entered three events, consistently throwing around 80m—unlikely to challenge top contenders like Neeraj Chopra.
Julius Yego
Julius Yego remains Africa’s greatest javelin thrower and the continent’s only world champion in the event. While no longer at his mid-2010s peak, he flashed brilliance with an 87.72m throw in the Paris Olympics final. Active throughout 2025, Bengaluru marks his seventh competition this year.
Curtis Thompson
The American opened the season with a personal best in March but hasn’t surpassed 82m in five events since. While Thompson has the potential to reach the high 80s, he’s yet to show the consistency needed to challenge elite throwers like Neeraj Chopra.
Luiz Mauricio da Silva
Like Thompson, the Brazilian hit a career-best 86.62m at the 2025 Paris Diamond League—setting a new South American record and finishing third behind Neeraj and Julian Weber. He’s surpassed 85m in three meets this season and claimed a major victory at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, beating top names like Peters and Yego.
Cyprian Mryzyglod
A late addition to the lineup, the Polish thrower replaced injured Olympic bronze medallist Anderson Peters. He arrives in strong form, winning in Kuortane, Finland, with a personal best of 85.92m. He also placed second at the Paavo Nurmi Games and finished fourth at the Janusz Kusociński Memorial behind Weber, Neeraj, and Peters.
Rumesh Pathirage
The Sri Lankan gained attention with an 85.41m throw in Perth earlier this year but struggled at the Asian Athletics Championships. He finished fourth with a modest 83.27m, falling short of his season’s best and trailing Arshad Nadeem, Sachin Yadav, and Yuta Sakiyama.
Martin Konecny
The Czech thrower recorded a personal best of 80.59m at the 2025 Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, where Neeraj claimed victory. Despite competing in seven events this season, it remains his only throw beyond 80 meters.
Sachin Yadav
Sachin has firmly established himself as India’s No. 2 javelin thrower. He claimed silver at the Asian Athletics Championships in May, trailing only Arshad Nadeem. Earlier, he won the Federation Cup with an 83.86m throw in Kochi and later crossed the 85m mark for the first time, showing steady progress throughout the year.
Rohit Yadav
Once seen as India’s next javelin star, Rohit’s rise has been hindered by injuries that nearly derailed his career. In 2025, he’s competed in four events, crossing the 80m mark only once—at the National Games in Dehradun. He also finished seventh at the Federation Cup.
Yash Vir Singh
Yash Vir, like Sachin Yadav, delivered a personal best at the Asian Athletics Championships, finishing fifth. The performance reflected his steady progress throughout the season. He has crossed 80m in two of five events this year and aims to continue that momentum at the Neeraj Chopra Classic.
Sahil Silwal
Left-handed thrower Silwal completes the Indian lineup at the Neeraj Chopra Classic. He’s competed in just two events this year, recording 73.10m at the Indian Open Throws in Mumbai and 77.84m at the Federation Cup in Kochi. With a personal best of 81.81m set last June, he’ll aim to approach that mark at the Kanteerava.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Neeraj Chopra Classic?
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is an international javelin competition founded by Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra. It brings together top global and Indian javelin throwers in a premier track and field event held in India.
When and where is the Neeraj Chopra Classic taking place?
The 2025 edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2025, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India.
Who are the top international athletes competing?
Notable names include former Olympic champion Thomas Röhler, world champion Julius Yego, and rising stars like Fabricio Rodrigues and Curtis Thompson.
Is Neeraj Chopra competing in the event?
Yes, Neeraj Chopra is both the founder and a participant in the event. He is expected to headline the competition.
Are Indian javelin athletes besides Neeraj Chopra also participating?
Yes, top Indian javelin throwers like Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Yash Vir Singh, and DP Manu will be competing alongside international stars.
Can spectators attend the Neeraj Chopra Classic?
Yes, the event is open to the public. Tickets and entry details may be available through official athletics bodies or the event’s website (if applicable).
Will the event be live-streamed or televised?
Live-streaming or broadcast information is typically released closer to the event date. Keep an eye on Athletics Federation of India channels or sports broadcasters.
What is the significance of the Neeraj Chopra Classic?
It’s India’s first major international javelin competition, aimed at promoting the sport and inspiring young athletes. It also gives Indian throwers the chance to compete against elite global talent at home.
How often will the Neeraj Chopra Classic be held?
The event is intended to be annual, growing into a global fixture on the javelin calendar.
What are the qualifying marks or achievements of top athletes this season?
Many athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, have already thrown beyond 85m+ in international meets this season, setting the stage for a high-level contest in Bengaluru.
Conclusion
The Neeraj Chopra Classic marks a milestone in India’s athletics journey, uniting global javelin legends and emerging Indian talent on home soil. With stars like Neeraj Chopra, Thomas Röhler, and Julius Yego set to compete, the event promises world-class action and renewed interest in the sport. As Bengaluru prepares to host this historic meet, it sets the stage for inspiring performances and the continued growth of javelin in India.