Neeraj Chopra wins hearts for his warm gesture with elderly fan in Bengaluru

Double Olympic medallist is in Bengaluru for Neeraj Chopra Classic to be held on July 5

Last updated: July 01, 2025 | 15:22

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

Neeraj Chopra meets an elderly fan in Bengaluru.

Dubai: Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is known for his humble nature. His down to earth interactions have made him a fan favourite world wide.

Chopra who is in Bengaluru, Karnataka, for the Neeraj Chopra Classic, was recently taking a stroll down a quiet street in the city when he encountered an elderly fan.

Neeraj Chopra Classic's official Instagram handle posted a heartwarming reel. "Sometimes, the best moments aren't planned. A quiet street in Bengaluru. A kind-hearted uncle. And a javelin legend who never forgets where he comes from"

As they chatted, the man expressed his deep respect and admiration for Neeraj, saying, "We all respect and admire you. You have brought glory to the whole country."

The sincerity in his words resonated with Neeraj, who always values the support of his fans.

The man then asked, "Can I take a picture?" capturing a moment that would surely be cherished by both.

Their conversation was filled with warmth and encouragement, with the man wishing Neeraj all the best for his future endeavors.

"Keep doing well," he added, leaving Neeraj with a smile and a reminder of the impact he has on people's lives.

The upcoming NC Classic is set to take place on July 5, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Initially the tournament was scheduled for May 24, however the event was deferred, due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

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, making it a significant event for India. With a seating capacity exceeding 12,000, this competition is set to deliver an exhilarating display of athletic talent and skill.

While Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Neeraj will headline the meet named in his honour, the Indian athlete will face stiff competition from some of the sport's biggest names. The organisers of the event confirmed a 12-member entry list for the inaugural NC Classic.

The roster remains nearly identical to the original entry list released prior to the postponement, with just one change - Poland's Martin Konecny has replaced Japan's Genki Dean. Anderson Peters, Thomas Rohler, and Julius Yego - the 2015 world champion and Rio 2016 silver medallist - will participate as planned initially.

The line-up also includes Pan American Games champion Curtis Thompson of the USA, Brazil's Luiz Mauricio da Silva and Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage. Meanwhile, Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav and Sahil Silwal will represent the local challenge alongside Neeraj.

With inputs from ANI

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.