Olympic gold medallist and India’s javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra lit up the Sree Kanteerava Stadium with a thunderous 86.18m throw, securing the gold medal at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025—a historic World Athletics Gold-level event hosted for the first time on Indian soil.
The 27-year-old star athlete sealed the victory in dramatic fashion during his third attempt, rising to the challenge after Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage had briefly taken the lead with an impressive 84.34m. Kenya’s Julius Yego, the 2015 World Champion, clinched the silver with a strong 84.51m, while Pathirage settled for bronze in a thrilling final.
The meet marks a significant turning point in Indian athletics, not only for its competitive level but also as a testament to Chopra’s growing influence in global sport. Organised jointly by Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports, the event aims to foster a culture of world-class competition in India and elevate Olympic sports to new heights.
Despite an initial foul and intense competition, Chopra showed nerves of steel. His second attempt (82.99m) drew massive cheers from the packed stadium, but it was his third throw that ignited national pride, prompting him to celebrate even before the javelin landed—an iconic moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
India’s Sachin Yadav (82.33m) and Yashvir Singh (79.65m) also put up commendable performances, with Yadav holding a potential podium spot until Yego’s season-best fourth throw pushed him out of medal contention.
Germany’s Thomas Röhler, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist, was unable to advance past the initial rounds, bowing out after recording only 75.85m in his first attempt.
Speaking post-victory, Chopra expressed mixed emotions about his performance:
“I was expecting a better throw, but the windy conditions made it tough. The pressure was high, especially performing at home after two international events. I’m just happy to win in front of such a supportive crowd.”
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to fans, partners, and organisers for the event’s overwhelming success, adding
Neeraj Chopra’s triumph at the first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a defining moment for Indian athletics. As India cements its place on the world stage, this event represents a promising future for homegrown talent and international-calibre sports events in the country. With Chopra leading from the front, Indian athletics is truly poised for a golden era
