Potchefstroom [South Africa], April 21 : India's Olympic gold medalist and world champion Neeraj Chopra, who is all set to take part in the 'Neeraj Chopra Classic' event on May 24, opened up on how the event came into existence and how good he feels about one of his dreams, of having a premier athletics event being held in India, coming true finally.
The 'Neeraj Chopra Classic' javelin throw event, a World Athletics 'A' category or Continental Tour Gold-level event, will be held in Bengaluru's Kanteerava Stadium on May 24, as per Olympics.com.
"I would like to say that this is a very long dream of mine. When I used to go out to play, I used to see how good the events were and how the people outside supported their athletes. I used to enjoy it. I also wanted to see if something like this could happen in India, people come to such events, get to see us all play" he said during a media felicitation organised by JSW regarding the event.
"Finally, this is happening. The story behind Neeraj Chopra Classic is that I think I am inspired by some athletes and I spoke to my personal coach, Jan Zelenzy. I spoke to the people I was training with."
"They also had the idea that it would be nice if the event was named after me. As you all know, Mondo Classic (in pole vault) is named after Mondo Duplantis. We also have such examples of athletes who compete in the competition. I was inspired by that and decided to do such a competition. Finally, this is happening and I am excited for it," he added.
Neeraj said that he feels very happy and positive.
"All people ask me that Olympics, World Championships, Diamond League etc have been won, so what is next. This thing, is now a dream come true. This event was a dream for me and I felt it would be good if it happens. My medals are kept at home, I have won them and those are different. But now, I feel that through this event, I have given something back to Indian athletics and that I have done something for everyone," he concluded.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the official sanctioning body of this historic event.
Along with Chopra, the competition will see participation from some of the best in the sport, including Julius Yego, Rumesh Pathirage, Luiz Mauricio Da Silva, Anderson Peters, Thomas Rohler, and Curtis Thompson, with more Indian and international athletes expected to be confirmed soon.
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