Neeraj Chopra says his flagship event will kickstart 'international competitions in India’

Ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is confident his flagship event, Neeraj Chopra Classic, will turn India into a destination for international athletics events. "This is the beginning of international competitions in India," Chopra said on the eve of the world-class javelin throw event, which will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

"As we see, there are so many international competitions in Germany and such nations - A category, B, C etc and every week, there's a competition.

"So, this is what I want in India, as there should be at least 4, 5, 6 competitions which are world-class. The athletes should get a chance and people should see them play. That will be very good for our sport," Chopra said on Friday.

The two-time Olympic medalist said being the host of the Neeraj Chopra Classic was a special feeling. "I'm very happy that this is finally happening. I was at the gym yesterday and I saw other athletes throwing and that has been my dream. I will say it again that I never thought there would be an event like this.

"I feel like I'm in a dream. Medals are a different thing. But I've given something like this to India and to Indian athletes. I'm very happy about that. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our athletics," Chopra said.

Germany's 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler (PB: 93.90m), Kenya's 2015 world champion Julius Yego (PB: 92.72m) and American Curtis Thompson (PB: 87.76m) are among the main competitors. Czech Republic's Martin Konecny (PB: 80.59m), Brazil's Luiz Mauricio Da Silva (PB: 86.62m), Sri Lankan Rumesh Pathirage (PB: 85.45m) and Poland's Cyprian Mrzyglod (PB: 85.92m) also make the 12-man field.

Sachin Yadav, Yashvir Singh, Rohit Yadav and Sahil Silwal are the four Indians besides Neeraj, who will try to impress at the big stage. Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem was invited, but he declined due to other commitments. The invitation became a controversy after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked Indian tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam.