Neeraj Chopra invites Arshad Nadeem for javelin throw competition held in Bengaluru instead of Panchkula

Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, has stated that numerous international javelin throwers are going to compete in the "Neeraj Chopra Classic" event that will be held in Bengaluru on May 24. This event will be entitled "NC Classic" and is an 'A' category event as classified by World Athletics. This means players will accumulate significant ranking points for competing well in it, similar to the way they accrue ranking points from events on the Continental Tour Gold.

Women's elite and men's elite javelin throwers from across the globe are going to compete in India for the first time in an event in the name of Neeraj Chopra. In a virtual press meeting organized by JSW, Neeraj stated that Anderson Peters (Paris Olympics bronze medalist and two-time world champion) from Grenada and Julius Yego (Rio Olympics silver medalist and former world champion) from Kenya are competing in India.

Responding to a question, Neeraj said, "Many players like Anderson Peters (Grenada), Julius Yego (Kenya), Curtis Thompson (USA), and Thomas Roller will participate in this competition. Some names have been told now, the rest will be told later. Players from India will also participate. I have spoken to Rohit Yadav." This competition will also be an important opportunity to qualify for the World Athletics Championships (September 13 to 21, Tokyo). However, Neeraj himself has already qualified.

Neeraj told, "We are trying to give a chance to at least 4-5 Indian players. This is a gold-level competition, in which performing well will give them ranking points to qualify for the World Championship." When asked about the arrival of Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj said, "We have also sent an invitation to Arshad Nadeem, but there is no confirmation from him yet."

Earlier this competition was to be held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, but now it will be held at Shri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Neeraj said, "The lighting facility in the stadium of Haryana was not sufficient for broadcasting. The lighting there was 600 lux, whereas we needed more than that and time was less." He further said, "I spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he gave positive cooperation."