Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is living out a long-held dream, not just as a competitor but also as the dedicated host of the inaugural “Neeraj Chopra Classic” javelin event in India.
A Dream Takes Flight on Home Soil
For Neeraj Chopra, seeing top international javelin throwers like Thomas Rohler and Julius Yego training at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru felt surreal. He shared this “pinch-me” moment, realizing his dream project, the Neeraj Chopra Classic, was finally happening.
The two-time Olympic and World Championship medalist was overwhelmed with emotion. He specifically thanked Rohler and Yego, acknowledging their presence in India for an event he had long envisioned.
The Ultimate Host and Competitor
Beyond his athletic prowess, Neeraj has embraced a new role as the event’s main organizer. He’s been meticulously involved, even fretting over small details like the spice level of the food at the official team hotel, ensuring his international guests feel comfortable.
Neeraj has also been translating questions and answers between Hindi and English for the benefit of his foreign counterparts, showcasing his commitment to being a gracious host.
Investing in the Future of Javelin
Hosting an event of this scale comes with a significant price tag, reportedly around Rs 4 crore, covering appearance fees, travel, and accommodation for top throwers. While securing sponsors was a task, Neeraj emphasized that the financial bottom line wasn’t the priority for this first edition.
“For me right now the only aim is to make this event a success,” Neeraj stated. His focus is squarely on promoting the sport of javelin in India, viewing any costs as a worthwhile investment in its growth.
A Vision for Indian Athletics
Neeraj’s new role has given him a deeper appreciation for event organizers. He also spoke like a seasoned sports administrator, expressing a desire for more world-class competitions in India, similar to those held weekly in countries like Germany.
He believes such events are crucial for Indian athletes to gain experience and for the public to witness top-tier sport firsthand. Young Indian javelin throwers, like Asian Championship silver medallist Sachin Yadav, are already benefiting from this initiative.
Sachin expressed his disbelief and gratitude at being invited by Neeraj, highlighting the invaluable experience of competing alongside global greats on home turf.
Global Praise for a Groundbreaking Initiative
The “NC Classic” has garnered praise from international athletes. Thomas Rohler, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist, called it a “logical step” to bring the sport closer to the Indian people, beyond television screens.
Julius Yego, a javelin pioneer from Kenya, mirrored Neeraj’s sentiment about growing the sport. He noted the increasing global reach of javelin and sees the NC Classic as a testament to that expansion.
- Neeraj Chopra is passionately hosting the first “Neeraj Chopra Classic” javelin event in India.
- He’s meticulously involved in all aspects, from guest comfort to promoting the sport.
- The event is a significant investment aimed at fostering javelin’s growth in India.
- Top international throwers have lauded the initiative as a positive step for the sport globally.
As the event unfolds, Neeraj continues to juggle his responsibilities as both a world-class competitor and a visionary host, determined to leave a lasting mark on Indian athletics.
