After Kishore Jena, Anderson Peters withdraws from Neeraj Chopra Classic; Mrzyglod in

Anderson Peters (Pic: AFP)

Former world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Anderson Peters of Grenada has withdrawn from the much-anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic due to an ankle injury. Poland's Cyprian Mrzyglod has been drafted in as his replacement.

The organisers confirmed the development on Tuesday via an official statement on X, announcing: "'Official Update' Anderson Peters has been ruled out of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 due to an ankle injury sustained during his last competition. Poland's Cyprian Mrzyglod has been named as his replacement in the final lineup."

This follows an earlier blow to the inaugural edition of the event, with India's rising javelin star Kishore Jena also sidelined by an ankle injury. In his place, Yashvir Singh has been included in the final line-up. "Kishore Jena has been ruled out of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 due to an ankle injury. Yashvir Singh has been named as his replacement in the final lineup," read a separate statement from the organisers.

Both Yashvir and Kishore last competed at the Indian Open Athletics meet in Chennai this past April. At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Yashvir delivered his best throw of 77.49m on his fifth attempt, while Kishore managed a solid 75.99m with his fourth effort.

The eagerly awaited Neeraj Chopra Classic is set to be held on July 5 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Originally scheduled for May 24, the tournament was postponed due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. This landmark meet marks India's first-ever international javelin competition, spearheaded by Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in partnership with JSW Sports and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

Recognised as a World Athletics-sanctioned Gold event, the NC Classic promises to elevate India's standing on the global athletics stage. The meet is expected to draw a crowd of over 12,000 spectators, offering an electrifying display of javelin excellence with an elite field of international throwers.

While Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Chopra will headline the meet named in his honour, he is set to face formidable competition. The organisers have confirmed a robust 12-member entry list for the inaugural edition. Earlier, Poland's Martin Konecny replaced Japan's Genki Dean in the line-up. Germany's Olympic champion Thomas Rohler and Kenya's Julius Yego, the 2015 world champion and Rio 2016 silver medallist, remain key attractions.

The star-studded field also features Pan American Games winner Curtis Thompson of the USA, Brazil's Luiz Mauricio da Silva, and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage. India's challenge will be further bolstered by Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal, who will join Neeraj in representing the host nation.