Neeraj thanks Karnataka govt as Bengaluru gears for classic

Neeraj Chopra thanked the Karnataka government and sports bodies for their support of the Neeraj Chopra Classic, India’s first international javelin meet, scheduled at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium on July 5.

Hyderabad: Double Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra praised the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka Olympic Association and the Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports for their continuous support towards the Neeraj Chopra Classic — an iconic moment for Indian athletics and the country’s first-ever international marquee javelin competition to be held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on July 5.

The event is co-organised by Neeraj with JSW Sports and sanctioned by World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

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The competition has also been awarded Gold Level status by World Athletics, the global governing body of the sport — a recognition of its scale and significance.

In preparation for the event, the stadium has undergone a substantial revamp. Seating across several stands has been refurbished, corporate and VVIP boxes have been installed in the North Stand, and a pitch-side hospitality zone has been set up to provide fans with an up-close view of the runway and infield action.

An entertainment stage has been created in the South Stand, while the main turf has been freshly re-laid to ensure optimal performance conditions for athletes.

Neeraj Chopra informed the media on Thursday that he would like to thank the Government of Karnataka, the KOA and the DYES for playing such a key role in ensuring the stadium meets international standards.

“Their efforts have enabled us to provide world-class facilities for the athletes and an enriching experience for the fans. A lot of hard work has gone into the revamp, and I’m especially grateful to Honourable Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sir, Dr K Govindaraj sir and all the officials involved. This will be a memorable event for all,” the Olympic and World champion said.

Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, in a statement said that the Government of Karnataka had lent its complete support to the Neeraj Chopra Classic from the moment they were approached about the possibility of hosting the event.

“It is a matter of great pride that India’s most successful Olympic athlete is bringing a world-class athletics competition to India, and that the state of Karnataka will play its part in what I am certain will be a sporting revolution in the country,” the Chief Minister said.

“I have met Neeraj and assured him of our full backing to ensure this competition becomes the benchmark of sporting events in the country. The Neeraj Chopra Classic promises to be a thrilling spectacle — a celebration of Indian sporting excellence, hosted in the heart of Bengaluru,” he said.

Dr K Govindaraj, MLC and President of the Karnataka Olympic Association, said the Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) and the Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports (DYES) had been working tirelessly to support the success of the Neeraj Chopra Classic right from the outset.

“We have undertaken the upgradation and sprucing up of the stadium, including the pitch, in order to deliver a world-class experience to both the athletes and the spectators. The KOA and the DYES are proud to host and support Neeraj Chopra, who has been the torchbearer for Indian track and field on the global stage, and we are certain the event will be of the highest standards,” he said.