New Delhi, June 7 (H.S.): Czech Republic’s Martin Konecný has replaced Japan’s Genki Dean in the final entry list of 12 athletes for the Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw competition, the first of its kind in India. Initially set for May 24 in Panchkula, the event has been postponed due to India-Pakistan military tensions and will now occur on July 5 in Bengaluru’s Sri Kanteerava Stadium, chosen for better lighting during broadcasts.

Organized by two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra and JSW Sports, the competition, with category-A status from World Athletics, will feature notable athletes like Grenada’s Anderson Peters, Germany’s Thomas Röhler, Kenya’s Julius Yego, and others. The Indian squad includes Chopra, Asian Championship silver medalist Sachin Yadav, Kishore Jena, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal. Ticket prices range from ₹199 to ₹9,999, with a corporate box priced at ₹44,999. Chopra aims to position India as a reliable host for world-class athletics events, marking the competition as a significant milestone in achieving this objective.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar