New Delhi, Jan 8 (Representative) Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is set to headline a prestigious global javelin throw competition later this year, featuring the world’s top-10 throwers. The event, an invitation-only tournament, is expected to take place in September and is poised to be a significant milestone in the realm of athletics. “There will be a top javelin competition in India in which the top-10 javelin throwers in the world will compete. This will be an invitation tournament to be held later this year,” Adille Sumariwalla, the outgoing AFI President, told reporters on Tuesday.Neeraj, who has become a household name for his remarkable achievement at the Tokyo Olympics, will not only compete but will also take an active role in the event’s organisation. The tournament is being jointly orchestrated by Neeraj, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and a foreign partner, JSW, in a collaborative effort to elevate the sport. The initiative is being organised against the backdrop of growing interest in javelin, with India celebrating August 7 as National Javelin Day in recognition of Neeraj’s gold-winning performance.
India’s ambitions extend beyond the javelin arena, as the country is making concerted efforts to host more international athletics events. Key upcoming events include the Para Athletics World Championships in New Delhi later this year (September-October), the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in March, and the inaugural Indian Open World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar on August 10. The Continental Tour, an annual series supported by World Athletics, is considered a key fixture in the second tier of international athletics events, immediately following the Diamond League in prominence. India has a history of hosting international athletics competitions, with notable events such as the 2004 World Half Marathon Championship in New Delhi. With aspirations to host the 2027 World Relays, 2028 World Junior Championships, and the 2029 World Championships, India is poised to continue its push to strengthen its presence on the global athletics stage.