India is gearing up to host one of its biggest ever international athletics events, titled the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 (NC Classic), find out more about the competition below along with the schedule and tickets details
The javelin-only competition is named after Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra and will feature several world-class athletes.
The competition has been granted category A status by World Athletics and the event will be jointly organised by Chopra and JSW Sports in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and World Athletics, featuring top global as well as Indian javelin throwers.
Neeraj Chopra (NC) Classic Javelin Throw Event 2025 schedule, date, time, tickets, entry list and live streaming telecast where to watch
The competition is jointly hosted by JSW Sports and Neeraj himself, with backing from World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India. The event will be an annual affair with Chopra hoping to add more sports in the coming years.
The fans will need to buy tickets to watch the NC Classic javelin event but they are yet to go on sale.
“There will be tickets for the event, for different boxes. But we will try that the ticket price is not too much. The fans should feel the ticket price is worth the enjoyment of watching the event,” said Chopra.
The maiden edition of Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event on May 24 has now been shifted from Panchkula to Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru due to lack of adequate lighting at the original venue.
Neeraj Chopra Classic
The NC Classic will serve as India’s premier javelin competition, and it is created with the aim to promote the sport further in the country. It is backed by World Athletics and organized by JSW Sports. The event will celebrate Neeraj Chopra’s legacy and offer Indian fans a rare taste of elite international action. The upcoming competition stands among the top-tier meets and has attained a Gold Label status.
NC Classic confirmed international stars
Given below is the list of global javelin stars confirmed for the upcoming event:
| Athlete | Country | Achievements | Personal Best (PB) |
| Anderson Peters | Grenada | Double world champion, Pan-American gold medallist | 93.07m |
| Thomas Röhler | Germany | Olympic gold medallist (2016) | 93.90m |
| Julius Yego | Kenya | 2015 world champion, Olympic silver medallist | 92.72m |
| Curtis Thompson | United States | 2023 Pan-American champion | 87.76m |
| Genki Dean | Japan | 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist | 84.28m |
| Luiz Mauricio da Silva | Brazil | South American standout | 85.91m |
| Rumesh Pathirage | Sri Lanka | Rising South Asian talent | 85.45m |
Team India participants
Pakistan’s Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem has turned down an invitation from Indian star Neeraj Chopra to participate in the Bengaluru Classic Throwing Championship on May 24. #BengaluruEvent #AsianChampionship #PakistanAthletics #IndiaPakistan pic.twitter.com/9rBdNZ4ojN
— Startup Pakistan (@PakStartup) April 24, 2025
While India has not confirmed its official line-up, the upcoming NC Classic is expected to feature DP Manu, Shivpal Singh, and other top national contenders.
Arshad Nadeem declines participation
Ahead of the start of the competition, Pakistan’s top thrower, Arshad Nadeem, confirmed that he will not compete at the NC Classic. Despite receiving an invitation from Neeraj Chopra, Nadeem has chosen to opt out and focus on the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, which will take place from May 27–31.
NC Classic schedule
The upcoming men’s javelin throw competition will take place on May 24. As of now, the organizers have not confirmed the exact session timings and order of events.
How to live stream
Fans in India can watch the live stream of the upcoming NC Classic live on Sports18 and JioCinema.
Neeraj Chopra Classic Moved from Panchkula to Bengaluru 🚨
The reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem 🇵🇰 has been invited for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin meet in Bengaluru.#NeerajChopra pic.twitter.com/St7k42n8Vd
— IndiaSportsHub (@IndiaSportsHub) April 21, 2025