India’s javelin scene faced a dramatic shift ahead of the much-anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, as national star Kishore Jena was ruled out due to an ankle injury.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed that rising thrower Yash Vir Singh will replace Jena in the event set for July 5 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
Jena, who clinched silver behind Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou with a personal best of 87.54m, was one of five Indian javelin throwers lined up for the nation’s first-ever high-tier international competition. His sudden withdrawal marks a significant change for Team India’s prospects.
Singh, currently ranked 41st in the world, impressed at the 2025 Asian Championships in Gumi, Korea, throwing a personal best of 82.57m. His inclusion reflects India’s promising depth in javelin and a chance for him to perform under global scrutiny.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic, created in collaboration with JSW Sports, AFI, and World Athletics, is being hailed as a historic milestone in Indian athletics. International icons like Anderson Peters (Grenada), Thomas Röhler (Germany), and Julius Yego (Kenya) are set to compete, elevating the event’s stature.
Originally slated for May 24, the event was rescheduled due to security concerns and now gears up to become a defining moment for Indian athletics fans and young athletes alike.
