After conquering some of the biggest events across the world over the years, India’s javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra excels in Bengaluru by winning gold at NC Classic with 86.18m throw
An ecstatic Neeraj Chopra after winning the NC Classic at Bengaluru on Saturday. Pic/PTI
Indian javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra on Saturday clinched the inaugural NC Classic as he realised his dream of hosting and competing in a world class event in front of his home crowd and family members. The 27-year-old double Olympic medallist emerged winner with his third round throw of 86.18m at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. This was his third straight title, having won in Paris Diamond League (June 20) and Golden Spike in Ostrava, Poland (June 24).
Yego finishes second
Kenya’s 2025 world champion Julius Yego was second with 84.51m while Rumesh Pathirage (84.34m) of Sri Lanka was third. Organised by Chopra himself and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the event featured a world-class field of 12 javelin throwers. Indian athletes. The NC Classic has been given category A status by World Athletics.
It was a tough outing for all the competitors as they had to throw under a strong wind blowing almost head-on. With his coach, the world record holder Jan Zelezny watching from a few meters away, Chopra began with a foul, but soon took the lead in his second attempt of 82.99m.
SL’s Pathirage impresses
Sri Lankan Pathirage, who was in second place after the Round Two, registered an impressive throw of 84.34m in his third attempt which invited a big roar from the crowd. But Chopra, who was the last in order of throw, was not to be intimidated by the athlete from the neighbouring country as he sent his spear to a distance of 86.18m, leaving the other competitors far behind.
With his familiar raising of both hands in the air, Chopra celebrated that big throw and the crowd responded with a deafening cheer. Yego overtook Pathirage for the second spot with a fourth round effort of 84.51m while Chopra fouled his fourth attempt. Chopra’s fifth throw measured 84.07m while he had 82.22m in his last attempt.
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