Potchefstroom [South Africa], April 21 : Paris Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has been invited for the inaugural edition of the 'Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025'; however, Pakistan's ace javelin thrower is yet to confirm his participation.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is set to take place on May 24 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. As a World Athletics-sanctioned Gold event, it promises to elevate India's status on the global athletics map.
Several Olympic medallists will feature in the event, including India's 'Golden Boy' Neeraj, Thomas Rohler, Julius Yego, Rumesh Pathirage, and Anderson Peters. However, there is still uncertainty over Arshad's participation, who edged out Neeraj in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Days before the tournament's inaugural edition, Neeraj revealed he had a word with Arshad and invited him just like all the athletes.
"I have spoken to Arshad. Arshad said that he would talk to the coach. But there is no confirmation yet. As soon as it is confirmed, you will find out. But yes, Arshad has been invited, like all the athletes," Neeraj said while addressing the media in a virtual press meet organised by JSW.
The last time the record-breaking duo squared off against each other was at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Neeraj delivered his season-best attempt of 89.45m, but it wasn't close to Arshad's humongous 92.97m.
Neeraj went on to confirm that 'NC Classic' isn't going to be a one-time thing but an annual event, which was "surprising" to him.
"It will be an annual event. One such event was very surprising for me. It never happened before. There is one more event coming up. I'm not sure if it's a silver or bronze-level meet. It is a good thing," he said.
The 27-year-old also expressed hope that a Diamond League event will be held in India in the near future.
"We will try to bring a Diamond League event to India. I think it is possible. We have plenty of stadiums. People know there are people watching in India. It would be good for world athletics if more people followed this discipline. I hope, in the future, a Diamond League event comes to India. It will be a good thing. I think our athletics will improve. People will get to know more about athletics," he said.
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