Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra not only hosted and organized the inaugural NC Classic javelin competition but also emerged as its triumphant winner in challenging conditions.
A Challenging Start
The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru presented a tough test for javelin throwers. Strong, swirling winds made precision difficult, influencing the trajectory of throws right from the start.
In the opening round, no athlete managed to cross the 80-meter mark. Even Neeraj Chopra, visibly eager, fouled his first attempt, momentarily worrying the excited crowd. His coach, Jan Zelezny, and fellow competitor Julius Yego, urged him to relax.
More Than Just an Athlete
Chopra admitted feeling extra pressure, being both the event’s host and its main attraction. He was concerned about minor delays, even observing the tiny robot cars transporting javelins, wanting everything to run smoothly for his fellow competitors.
This dual role added a unique layer of challenge, forcing him to balance his focus as an athlete with his responsibilities as an organizer.
The Competition Heats Up
As the rounds progressed, the throwers began to adapt to the challenging conditions. Julius Yego took an early lead, and then Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage, a rising star, truly upped the ante.
Pathirage, a former fast bowler, stunned the crowd with an impressive 84.34-meter throw in the third round, briefly pushing Neeraj into second place. The competition had officially become a nail-biter, captivating the Bengaluru audience.
Chopra Delivers a Masterclass
Faced with Pathirage’s challenge, Neeraj knew he had to respond. He rallied the crowd, pumping himself up before his crucial third throw. The javelin left his hand with immense power, and even before it landed, Neeraj knew it was a big one, raising his arms in triumph.
The stadium erupted when 86.18 meters flashed on the screen, reclaiming his lead and delivering the show the fans had come to witness. This throw cemented his dominance despite the tough conditions and strong competition.
Victory and Reflection
Though Julius Yego landed a strong 84.51m throw in the fourth round, it wasn’t enough to challenge Neeraj’s lead. Chopra continued with two more throws over 82 meters, ensuring his win.
After his final throw, he offered a respectful bow to the cheering crowd, acknowledging their support. His family watched from the VIP box, making the victory even more special.
Neeraj later reflected on the “pressure” of the event named after him. He admitted wishing for a bigger throw but acknowledged the difficult wind conditions. His primary goal, making the competition a success, was achieved, and performing under such unique pressure made him feel “stronger.”
The evening concluded with Neeraj taking a mini victory lap, signing autographs and shaking hands with grateful fans. Standing on the podium with Yego and Pathirage as the national anthem played, it was a memorable end to a challenging yet rewarding day. He looked forward to simply relaxing and chatting with his family after a demanding week.
