New Delhi: The inaugural version of the Neeraj Chopra traditional, scheduled to happen at Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Might 24, has attracted a number of the world’s finest javelin throwers. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters, American Curtis Thompson, the season chief (87.76m), 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler of Germany, Rio Olympic silver medallist and 2015 world champion Julius Yego of Kenya, have all confirmed their participation.
Neeraj Chopra competes within the males’s javelin throw. (AFP)
Undoubtedly, the most important title within the elite discipline might be Neeraj Chopra himself — the reigning world champion and two-time Olympic medallist.
“Yes, count me in as well,” Neeraj Chopra mentioned with a large smile, having rattled off names of the individuals with nice pleasure.
Invitation has additionally gone out to Arshad Nadeem, the Paris Olympics Champion from Pakistan, however he’s but to substantiate participation.
“I have spoken to Arshad and extended invitation to him as well. He is in discussion with his coach and as and when he confirms participation, we will let you know,” mentioned Neeraj in a press convention from his base in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
There might be extra Indian names — 4 to 5. Prime throwers from the continuing Nationwide Senior Federation Cup in Kochi will get a chance to compete alongside world stars.
The World Athletics (WA) occasion was earlier scheduled to happen in Panchkula, Haryana, however needed to shifted to Bengaluru on account of some technical challenge on the venue. WA really useful a change in venue.
“There were some issues with lights (for broadcasters) therefore it could not take place in Panchkula. Though I wanted it to happen in Panchkula because it’s my native place, but the most important thing is that it’s happening in India. I have great memories of Bengaluru and it’s a very good venue to start this international competition. I am very excited to be part of this event and doing my bit (JSW and AFI are part of organisers) to bring a world class track and field event in India. Its a dream come true for me,” mentioned Neeraj.
It’s the first-of-its type marquee athletics occasion to happen in India with the nation’s greatest star title etched in it. There are a number of such occasions like Mondo Basic — after pole vault star Mondo Duplantis — at his house turf in Uppsala, Sweden — which permits worldwide monitor and discipline stars to carry house large stars and high quality motion and popularise the game of their nation.
Neeraj Chopra is already a pathbreaker in Indian sport, and now with this occasion he’s hoping to realize new milestone for Indian athletics.
“I have won medals at Olympics and world championships. The medals are kept at my home. But this is something new and it allows me to give back to the sport. I want athletics to grow in this country. I want parents to bring their children along to watch the world’s top athletes, see what it takes, how it feels to be there and see the world’s best stars competing. That experience is amazing. They need to have such experiences, only then athletics will grow in India,” mentioned Neeraj.
Requested whether or not there might be tickets, Neeraj mentioned, “yes, but it will be kept to a minimum so that people can come and watch and have fun.”
The championships might be made an annual affair and extra disciplines, together with ladies’s javelin throw, might be added in coming years, mentioned Neeraj.