On July 5, 2025, the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru hosted the historic Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, India’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour Gold-level javelin event. Spearheaded by double Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, the competition saw 12 elite javelin throwers, including global stars like Thomas Röhler and Julius Yego, alongside emerging Indian talents like Sachin Yadav. Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal with a stellar 86.18m throw, thrilling a packed home crowd. This comprehensive coverage provides live score updates, key performances, event highlights, and streaming details, offering an in-depth look at this landmark moment for Indian athletics.
Event Overview: A Historic Milestone for Indian Athletics
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, co-organized by Neeraj Chopra, JSW Sports, and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), marked a defining moment for Indian athletics. Held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the event earned World Athletics Category A status, ranking it among elite global meets like the Ostrava Golden Spike. The competition featured 12 javelin throwers: Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal, Yashvir Singh (India), Thomas Röhler (Germany), Julius Yego (Kenya), Curtis Thompson (USA), Luiz Mauricio Da Silva (Brazil), Cyprian Mrzygłod (Poland), Martin Konecny (Czech Republic), and Rumesh Pathirage (Sri Lanka). Originally scheduled for May 24 in Panchkula, Haryana, the event was shifted to Bengaluru due to logistical adjustments, as per The Bridge.
The competition began at 7:00 p.m. IST, with athletes introduced to a roaring crowd, as noted by India Today: “The stadium is electric, with fans chanting Neeraj’s name”. The order of throws started with Sahil Silwal, followed by Rohit Yadav, and concluded with Neeraj Chopra, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.
Neeraj Chopra’s Golden Performance
Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold and silver medalist, delivered a commanding performance, securing the gold medal with a 86.18m throw in his third attempt, overcoming an initial foul throw. His second throw of 82.99m had already placed him atop the leaderboard, but the 86.18m effort solidified his dominance, as reported by Times of India. Neeraj, with a personal best of 90.23m, thrilled the Bengaluru crowd, who erupted as he surpassed Rumesh Pathirage’s 84.34m. Speaking post-event, Neeraj said, “Hosting this event feels like giving back to Indian athletics,” emphasizing its significance.
Despite not breaching the 90m mark, a question he deftly avoided during the pre-event press conference, Neeraj’s consistency underscored his status as the world’s No. 1 javelin thrower. His performance builds on recent successes, including an 88.16m throw at the Paris Diamond League and an 85.29m at the Ostrava Golden Spike, as per NDTV Profit.
Podium Finishers: Yego and Pathirage Shine
Julius Yego, Kenya’s 2015 World Champion, secured the silver medal with a 79.73m throw, maintaining consistency but falling short of his 92.72m personal best, as noted by Times Now. Yego, a trailblazer for African javelin, praised the event’s global impact, stating, “This meet shows India’s rise in athletics”. Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka, a surprise contender, claimed bronze with an impressive 84.34m, briefly leading after his second throw, as per Sports NDTV. Pathirage, a former U16 cricketer, showcased his versatility, making him a standout in the 12-man field.
Indian Contingent: Sachin Yadav’s Breakthrough
Among the five Indian throwers, Sachin Yadav emerged as a highlight, finishing second with an 82.33m throw, his best of the season. The 25-year-old Asian Championships silver medalist, with a personal best of 85.16m, was personally invited by Neeraj, who sees him as a potential successor. Sachin’s performance, described by The Bridge as “a coming-of-age moment,” positions him as a strong contender for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where he aims to meet the 85.50m qualifying mark.
Yashvir Singh threw 79.65m, a commendable effort following his 82.57m personal best at the 2025 Asian Championships, while Sahil Silwal (77.48m) and Rohit Yadav (77.11m) recorded foul throws in later rounds, leading to their elimination after the first three throws. Despite their early exits, the exposure to global stars like Thomas Röhler and Curtis Thompson offers invaluable experience for these young athletes, as noted by India Today: “This meet is a learning curve for India’s next generation”.
International Stars: Röhler and Thompson Struggle
Thomas Röhler, the 2016 Olympic champion with a 93.90m personal best, disappointed with a 75.85m throw, failing to breach 80m and exiting early. Julius Yego noted Röhler’s warm reception, high-fiving young fans, but his recent form has been inconsistent. Curtis Thompson (USA), the 2023 Pan American Games champion, also recorded a foul throw, as did Luiz Mauricio Da Silva (Brazil) and Martin Konecny (Czech Republic), highlighting the competition’s intensity. Cyprian Mrzygłod (Poland), with an 85.92m personal best, failed to make the top eight, underscoring Neeraj’s dominance on home soil.
Event Format and Rules
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 followed a six-throw format, with the first three throws determining the top eight athletes who advanced to the final rounds. The throwing order was reversed for the top eight, giving lower-ranked athletes the first attempts, as per Indian Express. The Sree Kanteerava Stadium’s world-class field, prepared to meet World Athletics standards, ensured fair competition, with Karan Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer of JSW Sports, noting the extensive logistics involved, from stadium procurement to athlete coordination.
Significance of the Neeraj Chopra Classic
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is a landmark for Indian athletics, elevating the country’s stature on the global stage. As a World Athletics Gold-level event, it ranks just below the Olympics and Diamond League, offering athletes ranking points and qualification opportunities for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, as per Business Standard. Neeraj emphasized its broader impact, stating, “This is the beginning of international competitions in India,” aiming to make Bengaluru a hub for global athletics. The event, originally planned for Panchkula, was shifted to Bengaluru due to its superior infrastructure, as per The Bridge.
Live Streaming and Viewing Details
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 was broadcast live on Star Sports 1 Hindi and Star Sports 2, with free streaming on JioHotstar and the World Athletics website, starting at 7:00 p.m. IST. Fans followed live score updates on platforms like Times of India, India Today, and Amar Ujala, with @toisports posting, “Neeraj pulls off 86.18m throw, moves to the top”. The Bengaluru crowd, including Neeraj’s family, added to the electric atmosphere, as noted by The Bridge: “Neeraj’s family cheered from the stands”.
Key Moments and Fan Reactions
The event’s opening saw Sahil Silwal launch a 77.48m throw, followed by Rohit Yadav’s 77.11m, setting a competitive tone. Neeraj’s foul throw in the first round raised anticipation, but his 82.99m in the second and 86.18m in the third electrified fans, as per Sports NDTV: “Neeraj claims top spot”. Social media buzzed with excitement, with @TheKhelIndia highlighting the Indian contingent’s potential. The presence of Thomas Röhler and Julius Yego, both former champions, added star power, though their performances fell short of expectations.
Future of Indian Javelin
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 showcased India’s growing javelin prowess, with Sachin Yadav’s 82.33m signaling a bright future. Neeraj’s mentorship, inviting young throwers like Yadav, Silwal, and Yashvir Singh, fosters a new generation, as noted by Economic Times: “This event is a platform for India’s emerging talent”. The meet’s success sets the stage for more international competitions, aligning with Neeraj’s vision to globalize Indian athletics.
New Era for Indian Sports
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on July 5, 2025, marked a historic milestone, with Neeraj Chopra’s 86.18m throw securing gold and Julius Yego and Rumesh Pathirage claiming silver and bronze. Sachin Yadav’s 82.33m highlighted India’s depth, while the event’s Gold-level status cemented its global significance. Fans can relive the action on JioHotstar and follow updates via @StarSportsIndia and @TheKhelIndia. This landmark meet not only celebrated Neeraj’s legacy but also positioned India as a rising force in world athletics, promising a bright future for the sport.
