Fan favourite Neeraj claims the title 

The 15,000-odd spectators at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium went dwelling a cheerful lot as fan favourite Neeraj Chopra claimed the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic title right here on Saturday.

Neeraj’s 86.18m heave on his third try was sufficient to get the job completed. The motion didn’t fairly attain dizzying heights, with heavy crosswinds posing an actual problem.

The coveted 90m mark was by no means beneath risk, and it got here all the way down to adjusting to the situations. Neeraj, two-time Olympic medallist and event organiser, was as much as the activity.

Kenya’s Julius Yego supplied a good problem, ending second with 84.51m.

Neeraj Chopra competes in the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 worldwide javelin competitors in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on July 5, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Briefly in lead

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage, who entered the subject as a substitute for Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, briefly held the lead with a 84.34m throw.

Neeraj, who acquired the large crowd to its toes each time he stepped to his mark, soaked in the adulation. After every effort, he exalted and waved to the supporters. There was anticipation that he would reserve his finest for closing sixth spherical, but it surely was to not be.

A 84.07m fell properly wanting his finest, even when the trophy was already in the bag.

The night started with a lot fanfare, with the stands filling up early. Neeraj even had the help of his rivals, who applauded in unison when he stepped up.

Double delight

To win the event and to drag off a troublesome organisational activity proved to be double delight for Neeraj.

“Bengaluru has always been a lovely city. The fans supported us throughout. I’m thankful to all of them,” Neeraj mentioned.

With quite a bit driving on his title, Neeraj felt the stress. “Since this event is in my name, there was added pressure to do well. I’m quite relieved and happy to win. Of course, my biggest goal was to pull off a successful tournament. I think this was achieved,” Neeraj mentioned.

On the subject, Neeraj did his finest to beat the winds. “It was tough to throw into the headwind. The javelin was going left. I spoke to my coach and made the right adjustments,” Neeraj mentioned.

Praise from rivals

Perhaps the greatest win of the night time got here in the type of reward from Neeraj’s international rivals, who all promised to return for the subsequent version.