Four big names who will miss Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Some big names have withdrawn from the tournament.

The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is all set to take center stage at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on July 5. Originally planned for May 24, the event was rescheduled to July following rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Marking its inaugural edition, the 12-member field includes Olympic and World Championships medalists, ensuring a star-studded competition. Sachin Yadav leads the list of homegrown talent heading into the NC 2025.

Fresh from his silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championships with a personal best of 85.16m, Yadav will look to use his familiarity with local conditions to his advantage and push for a podium finish.

Joining him is Poland’s Cyprian Mrzyglód, a late addition replacing Anderson Peters. The former European U23 and U20 champion recently threw a personal best of 85.92m and arrives in Bengaluru as a strong medal contender. Adding further star power is Germany’s Thomas Röhler, the 2016 Olympic champion and third on the all-time list with a 93.90m throw.

Brazil’s Luiz Maurício da Silva also arrives in top form, having set a national record of 86.62m at the Paris Diamond League this season.

All eyes, however, will be on Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic hero and the face of the event. With a new national record of 90.23m set this year and podium finishes at every meet so far, Chopra stands as the clear favourite to headline a thrilling inaugural edition in Bengaluru.

Also Read: Top five athletes to watch at Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

However, in the lead-up to the competition, several top athletes have withdrawn, citing injuries or logistical challenges. Their absence will certainly be felt at the event. Let’s take a look at some of the prominent names set to miss the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025.

Athletes who will miss Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Anderson Peters (Grenada)

Grenada’s javelin superstar Anderson Peters has withdrawn from the event due to an ankle injury. Peters last competed at the Ostrava Golden Spikes Meet 2025 in Poland, finishing third with a best throw of 83.6m, while Neeraj Chopra won with 85.29m.

Two-time former World Champion and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist Cyprian Mrzyglod will replace Peters in the lineup. The Polish javelin thrower enters the NC Classic 2025 with a personal best of 85.92m.

Genki Dean (Japan)

Japan’s Genki Dean, an Asian Games bronze medallist and one of the continent’s top javelin throwers, was originally on the entry list but withdrew ahead of the event. He has been replaced by Martin Konecny of Poland, with the replacement being confirmed in early June.

Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan)

The Olympic gold mealist, Arshad Nadeem, has reportedly declined the invitation to feature in the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 tournament. This move comes as no surprise, due to the ongoing heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, which translated into a war-like conflict.

Nadeem had informed his decision of participating in Korea and stated that both events were clashing. However, this was when NC 2025 was scheduled to be held in May, after which it was postponed. Indian fans have argued that an invitation should have never been extended to the Pakistani, due to Nadeem’s open stand with Pakistani armed forces, against India during the crisis.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025: Full schedule, timings & live streaming details

Kishore Jena (India)

Kishore Jena has been ruled out of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 due to an ankle injury. Initially among the five confirmed javelin throwers, Jena has struggled with form this year and will aim for a strong comeback after recovery. He will be replaced by Yash Vir Singh, who is ranked 41st in the men’s javelin throw world rankings, for the upcoming event.

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