India’s Golden Arm: Neeraj Chopra’s Unprecedented Role as NC Classic Host
Since arriving in Bengaluru earlier this week, India’s javelin superstar, Neeraj Chopra, has truly embodied the spirit of a multi-hyphenate. Beyond his renowned identity as a world champion javelin thrower, he has seamlessly slipped into the demanding roles of event organizer and an exceptionally gracious host. As the very face and driving force behind the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic – a prestigious World Athletics ‘Category A’ event held at the iconic Kanteerava Stadium – Chopra has left no stone unturned in ensuring its resounding success.
A Personal Touch: Welcoming the World’s Best
The moment the eleven elite competitors, including seven international athletes, stepped foot in Bengaluru, India’s Garden City, they were met with an unexpected warmth. Each received a personalized welcome letter penned by Chopra himself, a testament to his dedication. Special banners awaited their arrival, setting a unique tone for the competition. This level of personal engagement is a rare sight in the often-impersonal world of international athletics.
Behind the Scenes: Chopra’s Hands-On Approach
Balancing rigorous training sessions and sponsor commitments, Chopra has delved deep into the minutiae of event orchestration. He personally vetted the final list of artists performing on the big day, meticulously reviewed the video content for the stadium’s giant screen, and ensured the fan zone was perfectly set up for an electrifying atmosphere. Earlier in the week, he even conducted a detailed reconnaissance of the Kanteerava Stadium’s gymnasium, leaving no aspect to chance.
Learning the Ropes: A Champion’s Newfound Respect
Speaking from Bengaluru, Chopra shared his transformative experience. “Every single day, I am learning something new about organizing a sporting event,” he reflected. “I must say I have a newfound respect for people who put an event together.” His commitment runs deep: “I am trying to give as much time as possible to all the different aspects of the NC Classic because this is my competition and not one that simply has my name attached with it.” He admitted to the juggling act, stating, “In between all this, I’ve had to give time to my training too. I am as excited about competing as I am about organizing the NC Classic.”
Strategic Moves: From Panchkula to Bengaluru
Chopra’s influence extends beyond the operational. When logistical considerations required the event’s relocation from Panchkula to Bengaluru, primarily due to the broadcaster’s need for superior floodlight illumination, he personally engaged with key stakeholders, including the Karnataka Chief Minister. He’s been an active participant in multiple meetings with World Athletics and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) officials, meticulously coordinating with JSW Sports – his management firm and a key partner in hosting the NC Classic. “I’m spending time with every department at JSW Sports, understanding things, giving my inputs and suggestions and it’s been a fantastic experience,” he added.
A New Avatar: Surprising Even His Inner Circle
Despite initial scheduling hurdles and a necessary shift in dates, World Athletics quickly agreed to the revised timeline. Those who know Chopra well, including his inner circle, express surprise and admiration for his unparalleled hands-on involvement. Manisha Malhotra, a former tennis Olympian and a core member of Chopra’s team at JSW Sports, marvels at his dedication. “Every day he’s going to the stadium and is monitoring stuff. He’s also saying that he’s never been to a city so many days before the event. Usually, he flies in, does a press conference, competes and flies out.” She adds, “Everybody is surprised to see his new avatar.”
Meticulous Planning: The Eye for Detail
Chopra’s attention to detail is truly remarkable. He personally oversaw the dinner menu for athletes and officials on the eve of the NC Classic. A special felicitation ceremony is planned for his esteemed coach, the legendary world-record holder Jan Železný, before the competition commences. Adding a personal touch, Chopra’s family will be in Bengaluru to cheer him on from the stands. The event will also feature a vibrant cultural element, with Dhanda Nyoliwala, the popular rapper from Hisar with millions of Instagram followers, set to perform.
Connecting with Fans: Beyond the Javelin Arc
Beyond the field, Neeraj has actively engaged with fans and leveraged celebrity connections to generate buzz for the NC Classic. In a recent video, he expressed a desire to exchange notes on javelin and fast bowling with cricket maestro Jasprit Bumrah. He drew insightful comparisons between his powerful throw and MS Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot, and articulated his aspiration for the longevity and record-breaking ability exemplified by cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. In a heartwarming gesture, when an enthusiast from Coimbatore posted on X (formerly Twitter) seeking financial assistance to attend the event, Chopra personally stepped in, offering to sponsor the fan’s entire trip, including VVIP tickets and accommodation at a five-star hotel.
A Carnival-Like Atmosphere: Inspiring a Nation
The grand event will kick off with a lucky ticket-buyer throwing the ceremonial javelin, setting a celebratory tone for what promises to be a carnival-like atmosphere. The journey to hosting this single-discipline, world-standard competition in India has been a four-year-long dream for Neeraj. The seed for the NC Classic was sown during his training days in Uppsala, Sweden, where he witnessed firsthand the success of the Mondo Classic, organized by pole-vault world-record holder Mondo Duplantis.
Fulfilling a Dream: A New Chapter for Indian Athletics
“Usually, standalone javelin events only happen in very javelin-centric countries, like it happens in Finland, it happens in Lithuania where there is a long-established culture of javelin,” Manisha Malhotra explained. “Here, Neeraj is trying to build that.” She emphasized his personal growth: “In the beginning, Neeraj was focused on medals and training. Now, he’s matured, he has grown as a human being and wants to give back to his sport.” During an NC Classic press briefing in April, Chopra articulated his long-held ambition: “Yeh bahut hi lamba dream hai… (For a very long time, I have had this dream). When I used to go abroad to compete, I used to see how good the events were and how the people outside supported us. And I wondered if something like this could ever happen in India?” He shared the idea with his coach Jan Železný, who also endorsed the concept of an event bearing his name. Now, as his dream takes flight, Neeraj Chopra hopes for everything to fall perfectly into place, marking a monumental moment for Indian athletics.
