India’s Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has postponed the much-anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin event, originally scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru, amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan — the most serious in nearly three decades.
The World Athletics Gold category event was set to feature a lineup of elite international javelin throwers, including Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, Thomas Röhler, and Curtis Thompson. However, the decision to delay the event was made following heightened regional conflict and the mutual suspension of domestic sporting events by both countries — including the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League.
Chopra’s team shared a statement on social media saying,
“This decision has been made after careful thought and consultation, with the wellbeing of athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community as the top priority. We believe in the unifying power of sport. But, in this critical moment, standing firm with the nation matters most.”
Expressing solidarity with India’s armed forces, the statement emphasized that Chopra’s thoughts and gratitude were with those defending the country.
The announcement comes amid ongoing hostilities sparked by India’s airstrikes on May 7, which New Delhi claims targeted alleged “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following the April 22 militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan has categorically denied the claims, calling them baseless and accusing India of using the incident to escalate tensions without evidence.
Last month, Chopra had already ruled out the participation of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem — his long-time sporting rival and Paris Olympics gold contender — citing the prevailing diplomatic and security situation.
Chopra, who captured India’s first Olympic track and field gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, said a revised schedule for the event would be announced later, once the situation normalizes.
