In an era where cricket dominates every stretch of India’s sporting landscape, javelin quietly made history under the skies of Bengaluru. The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic isn’t just another athletics meet — it is the beginning of something deeper, more powerful. For the athletes, the fans, and for Neeraj himself, this isn’t just a competition; it is a movement.&nbsp;“I never even dreamt of something like this,” Neeraj said during a press conference on Friday (July 5), his voice steady but eyes betraying emotion. “I never thought I’d represent India, win a medal, and then see something like this happen… in India.”&nbsp;Neeraj wasn’t alone in his sentiment. 2016 Rio Olympic silver medallist Julius Yego and 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Thomas Rohler sat beside him, echoed similar hopes — that javelin, often seen as a niche sport, now had a chance to shine in countries where it was once sidelined.&nbsp;“You say Kenya isn’t popular for javelin? Well, now it is,” Yego said with a smile. “India was cricket-first, but look at this — javelin is coming up, and it’s only going to grow," he added.&nbsp;Yego's right. The sight of global champions assembling in Bengaluru to compete — not at the World Championships or Olympics, but at an Indian-organised event dedicated solely to javelin — is something surreal. The Classic issn’t just about distance or records. It is about visibility, community, and planting the seeds for future generations.&nbsp;Thomas Rohler, who has long been more than just a champion thrower but also a mentor through his popular YouTube channel, reflected on this larger vision. “After Neeraj became the best in the world, this was the next logical step,” he said. “Bringing the sport to people not just through screens, but live, right in front of their eyes," he added. His videos, he said, have reached villages across India. “I get messages from kids throwing sticks on dusty fields — it’s beautiful. They’ve only seen javelin on the internet, and now, we’re here — bringing it to them.”&nbsp;Neeraj, for his part, is balancing dual roles — competitor and organiser. “The athlete in me is always up,” he said, brushing off questions about fatigue. “Even today I trained. This is the dream I had — throwing here, with others throwing beside me, in India. That it’s finally happening is emotional.”&nbsp;The logistical hurdles weren’t small. The event had been rescheduled once, some athletes withdrew, and funding questions lingered. But Neeraj was clear: “For now, it’s not about business models. Our focus is to make this successful. That’s it.”&nbsp;India’s next-gen star — Sachin Yadav sat on stage, nervous but determined. “This is a huge opportunity,” Sachin said. “To compete with legends, in India, is something else. Yes, there’s pressure. But I am going to give my best.”&nbsp;And while the spotlight was on India, the vision was global. “You never know,” Yego said. “Next year, maybe Kenya will host a javelin-only event. Or Germany. It’s all possible now.”&nbsp;And so, as Bengaluru is all set to host its first international javelin-only competition, the stage is set for more than medals. This is India saying: we belong here. This is the sport saying: we’re just getting started. And this is Neeraj Chopra proving, once again, that gold isn’t just something you wear — sometimes, it’s something you give back.

I never even dreamt of something like this says Neeraj Chopra

In an era where cricket dominates every stretch of India’s sporting landscape, javelin quietly made history under the skies of Bengaluru. The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic isn’t just another athletics meet — it is the beginning of something deeper, more powerful. For the athletes, the fans, and for Neeraj himself, this isn’t just a competition; it is a movement. “I never even dreamt of something like this,” Neeraj said during a press conference on Friday (July 5), his voice steady but eyes betraying emotion. “I never thought I’d represent India, win a medal, and then see something like this happen… in India.” Neeraj wasn’t alone in his sentiment. 2016 Rio Olympic silver medallist Julius Yego and 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Thomas Rohler sat beside him, echoed similar hopes — that javelin, often seen as a niche sport, now had a chance to shine in countries where it was once sidelined. “You say Kenya isn’t popular for javelin? Well, now it is,” Yego said with a smile. “India was cricket-first, but look at this — javelin is coming up, and it’s only going to grow," he added. Yego's right. The sight of global champions assembling in Bengaluru to compete — not at the World Championships or Olympics, but at an Indian-organised event dedicated solely to javelin — is something surreal. The Classic issn’t just about distance or records. It is about visibility, community, and planting the seeds for future generations. Thomas Rohler, who has long been more than just a champion thrower but also a mentor through his popular YouTube channel, reflected on this larger vision. “After Neeraj became the best in the world, this was the next logical step,” he said. “Bringing the sport to people not just through screens, but live, right in front of their eyes," he added. His videos, he said, have reached villages across India. “I get messages from kids throwing sticks on dusty fields — it’s beautiful. They’ve only seen javelin on the internet, and now, we’re here — bringing it to them.” Neeraj, for his part, is balancing dual roles — competitor and organiser. “The athlete in me is always up,” he said, brushing off questions about fatigue. “Even today I trained. This is the dream I had — throwing here, with others throwing beside me, in India. That it’s finally happening is emotional.” The logistical hurdles weren’t small. The event had been rescheduled once, some athletes withdrew, and funding questions lingered. But Neeraj was clear: “For now, it’s not about business models. Our focus is to make this successful. That’s it.” India’s next-gen star — Sachin Yadav sat on stage, nervous but determined. “This is a huge opportunity,” Sachin said. “To compete with legends, in India, is something else. Yes, there’s pressure. But I am going to give my best.” And while the spotlight was on India, the vision was global. “You never know,” Yego said. “Next year, maybe Kenya will host a javelin-only event. Or Germany. It’s all possible now.” And so, as Bengaluru is all set to host its first international javelin-only competition, the stage is set for more than medals. This is India saying: we belong here. This is the sport saying: we’re just getting started. And this is Neeraj Chopra proving, once again, that gold isn’t just something you wear — sometimes, it’s something you give back.

Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, co-organised by two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports, and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India, marks a major leap forward for Indian athletics

'I never even dreamt of something like this', says Neeraj Chopra on organising NC Classic 2025

As Bengaluru gears up for the much-awaited Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist javelin thrower Julius Yego in an exclusive chat with WION offered candid insights into the grueling demands of the sport, the evolving competition, and what makes India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra special.&nbsp;When asked about breaching the elusive 90m mark, Yego didn’t romanticise it.He said, “You can never prepare yourself to throw over 90m. It just comes by itself,” he said. “And when it comes, the most difficult part is to maintain it," he added.&nbsp;He recalled how his first 90m throw in 2015 during the 15th IAAF World Championships, National Stadium, Beijing, left his body in shock. “I was struggling to throw even 80m afterwards. Luckily, if you’re not injured, it can come back. But it takes a lot out of the body — physically and in ways you don’t even understand.”&nbsp;Yego pointed to rare examples of consistency, citing Czech Republic's Jan Zelezny and Germany's Johannes Vetter. “Even Vetter has struggled. It shows how tough it is on the body. You’re lucky if you stay injury-free.”&nbsp;With Neeraj Chopra recently joining the elite 90m club, Yego believes global javelin has entered a new phase. “Earlier, it was mostly Eastern Europe. Now it’s India, Africa, the Caribbean, everywhere,” he said. “I believe to win a World Championship or Olympic gold now, you’ll have to throw over 90m. The level has really grown.”&nbsp;On what makes two-time Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra really special, Yego was full of praise. He said, “His flexibility and speed are his biggest assets. If he keeps those strong, he’ll do well for a long time. He’s a super-talented athlete. You just have to accept that.” As for what makes a 90m throw possible — technique or power — Yego was quick to clarify. He replied, “It’s everything. Technique plays a bigger role, but it has to be combined with power, speed, and a very strong mental state. You can’t plan a 90m throw. You get on the runway with good technique — the distance comes on its own.”

Exclusive You cant prepare to throw 90m It just happens says 2016 Olympics silver medalist Julius Yego

As Bengaluru gears up for the much-awaited Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist javelin thrower Julius Yego in an exclusive chat with WION offered candid insights into the grueling demands of the sport, the evolving competition, and what makes India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra special. When asked about breaching the elusive 90m mark, Yego didn’t romanticise it.He said, “You can never prepare yourself to throw over 90m. It just comes by itself,” he said. “And when it comes, the most difficult part is to maintain it," he added. He recalled how his first 90m throw in 2015 during the 15th IAAF World Championships, National Stadium, Beijing, left his body in shock. “I was struggling to throw even 80m afterwards. Luckily, if you’re not injured, it can come back. But it takes a lot out of the body — physically and in ways you don’t even understand.” Yego pointed to rare examples of consistency, citing Czech Republic's Jan Zelezny and Germany's Johannes Vetter. “Even Vetter has struggled. It shows how tough it is on the body. You’re lucky if you stay injury-free.” With Neeraj Chopra recently joining the elite 90m club, Yego believes global javelin has entered a new phase. “Earlier, it was mostly Eastern Europe. Now it’s India, Africa, the Caribbean, everywhere,” he said. “I believe to win a World Championship or Olympic gold now, you’ll have to throw over 90m. The level has really grown.” On what makes two-time Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra really special, Yego was full of praise. He said, “His flexibility and speed are his biggest assets. If he keeps those strong, he’ll do well for a long time. He’s a super-talented athlete. You just have to accept that.” As for what makes a 90m throw possible — technique or power — Yego was quick to clarify. He replied, “It’s everything. Technique plays a bigger role, but it has to be combined with power, speed, and a very strong mental state. You can’t plan a 90m throw. You get on the runway with good technique — the distance comes on its own.”

This historic event, co-organised by two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports, and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India, marks a major leap forward for Indian athletics

Exclusive: 'You can’t prepare to throw 90m. It just happens, says 2016 Olympics silver medalist Julius Yego

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'I never even dreamt of something like this', says Neeraj Chopra on organising NC Classic 2025

Exclusive: 'You can’t prepare to throw 90m. It just happens, says Julius Yego