Panchkula, Haryana: The much-anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 — India’s first international javelin throw competition named after Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra — will no longer be held in Panchkula. Organisers have confirmed that the inaugural edition of the event has been shifted to Bengaluru, drawing reactions from local sports fans and athletics enthusiasts.
Originally scheduled to take place on May 24, 2025 at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula — the same venue where Chopra trained early in his career — the event was moved following concerns raised by World Athletics regarding infrastructure and technical requirements, particularly stadium lighting that did not meet minimum broadcast standards.
The competition will now be hosted at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, a venue equipped to meet the specifications needed for a World Athletics Category A event. Top javelin throwers from around the world are expected to participate, making the event a major highlight in India’s track-and-field calendar.
Despite the change in location, Neeraj Chopra remains committed to making the Classic an annual fixture in the international athletics circuit. In media interactions, he said he was excited about the high-profile lineup and is hopeful that the competition will help popularise athletics in India and inspire future generations.
While supporters in Panchkula expressed disappointment that the event will not be held in Chopra’s home region, many are still proud of its status as a national-level competition and are following preparations closely ahead of its Bengaluru debut.