New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra surprised a fan on Friday by offering him a “full VVIP experience” and accommodation for the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic on July 5 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Ahead of the much-anticipated athletic event of the season on Indian soil, Chopra’s fan, named Ranjith, from Coimbatore, asked for money on social media to attend next month’s showpiece event.
“If anyone sponsors me 2000 rupees, I can go to watch this from Coimbatore,” he posted on X on June 25.
Replying to his post on Friday, Chopra not only agreed to give him a free “VVIP” ticket but also assured his stay at a nearby luxury hotel.
Chopra responded on Ranjith’s post, saying, “Hi, Ranjith. You’ve got a full VVIP experience waiting for you in Bengaluru because your trip to the @nc_classic is on me! And thanks to @RadissonHotels, you’ll be staying about 90 metres away from me. See you soon!”
Initially scheduled for May 24, the event was deferred due to the India-Pakistan conflict, keeping security in mind, and to show solidarity with the nation.
As a World Athletics-sanctioned Gold event, the Neeraj Chopra Classic promises to elevate India’s status on the global athletics map. It will feature a stellar line-up of elite javelin throwers. The event will see the participation of several Olympic medallists, including Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Chopra, Thomas Rohler, Anderson Peters and others.
Chopra played a pivotal role in the staging of the event in India and in sending invitations to global stars of the game to participate.
Chopra won the javelin throw title in the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 meet with a best throw of 85.29 metres on Tuesday.
He had clinched victory in the prestigious meet with one throw remaining as his best effort of 85.29m remained unbeaten after six rounds, securing him yet another top podium finish this season.
It was the second title for Chopra within a month after he triumphed in the Paris Diamond League meet last week.
Caption: Paris: India’s Neeraj Chopra reacts after a throw during the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024, in Paris, France, Thursday, August 08, 2024. (Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
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–IANS
