Neeraj Chopra confirms India will bid for 2027 World Athletics Championships

Published at :August 31, 2023 at 3:08 AM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 6:40 PM

(Courtesy : Mint)

He was speaking at a press conference on the eve of the Zurich Diamond League meet.

Newly crowned World Champion and reigning Olympics gold medallist in javelin, Neeraj Chopra, has disclosed India’s intentions to bid for hosting the 2027 World Athletics Championships. Chopra, who became the new world champion in Budapest, is set to next participate in the Diamond League meet in Zurich. The 25-year-old won the gold in the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest with a massive 88.17m throw in the final.

Speaking in a press conference on the eve of the Zurich Diamond League meet, Chopra was asked about India’s prospects of hosting the 2027 World Athletics Championships. The inquiry shed light on India’s growing reputation as a possible host for major international sports events.

With his response, he confirmed India’s intention to host the event. “They (India) are bidding. I will request them (fans), and hopefully, they will come in great capacity,” said Neeraj Chopra as quoted by PTI.

He also emphasized the importance of fostering an appreciation for athletics as a whole within India. “Now, javelin (throw) is famous in India. I have always said in Indian interviews that we need to understand athletics and be knowledgeable about it because athletics is not only javelin throw,” Chopra asserted.

Watch Zurich Diamond League Meet press conference

Highlighting the diverse spectrum of events within athletics, Chopra conveyed his determination to encourage attendance for the Championships: “There are so many events involved (in athletics). So, if they don’t come, I will push them to come.”

The Tokyo Olympics champion also acknowledged the remarkable growth of athletic enthusiasm within India, noting, “The Indian people are so supportive, and they are now following athletics and taking interest in athletics.” This shift in interest underscores India’s potential as an emerging host for global sports events, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering a culture of sportsmanship and athletic appreciation.

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As many as five Indian athletes as well as the men’s 4x400m relay team reached the final in the recently concluded World Athletics Championships. India also had three athletes within the top six, including gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, in men’s javelin throw final while the relay team also finished fifth.

Neeraj Chopra to be in action in Zurich Diamond League

The World and Olympics champion will next be in action in the Zurich Diamond League on August 31 (Thursday). Having already collected the only gold medal missing from his accolades, Chopra will be riding high on confidence.

He won the men’s javelin competition in both of the Diamond League meets that he has taken part this year. Chopra started his season with a victory at the Doha Diamond League, propelling him to the zenith of the javelin world rankings. He also won the Lausanne Diamond League weeks before the World Championships.

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