In a landmark moment for Indian athletics, Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra delivered yet another golden performance, this time on home soil at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 in Bengaluru. With a staggering crowd of 14,593 fans packing the Sri Kanteerava Stadium, the event marked a turning point in India’s sporting culture — a genuine celebration of track and field, led by its most iconic athlete.
Wearing two hats — as elite competitor and co-organiser — Lt Col Chopra ensured the success of India’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet. True to form, the Olympic and World Champion needed just one perfect throw to seal gold. After starting with a foul, his second attempt landed at 82.99 metres, taking him to the top of the leaderboard. When Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage briefly surged ahead with an 84.34-metre effort, Chopra responded with a stunning 86.18-metre throw in cold, windy conditions — a testament to his mental fortitude and championship instincts.
Kenya’s Julius Yego later came close with 84.51 metres, but the gold never looked in doubt. Since 2021, Lt Col Chopra has maintained an unmatched consistency on the global stage — never finishing below second in a major meet.
Yet, beyond the medal, what stood out was the energy in the stands. From rap performances by Haryana’s Dhanda Nyoliwala to dance crews and chants echoing from the famous West Block, Bengaluru showed up — and showed that athletics, too, can command passion and pride in India.
Despite minimal pre-event publicity, the turnout and atmosphere were overwhelming. Most fans were in their seats hours before the first throw, a rare sight in Indian track and field history. For Lt Col Chopra, it was a personal and professional triumph — a chance to inspire and to give back.
“I am happy that the event has finished successfully,” he said at the press conference, reflecting on both the competition and its larger purpose.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic wasn’t just a sporting event — it was a moment of hope, a symbol of what Indian athletics can be. And leading the charge was a soldier-athlete who continues to redefine what’s possible, both on the field and far beyond it.
