India Set To Bid For 2027 World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra

India will be bidding for the 2027 World Athletics Championships, claims Olympic and World Championship gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in Zurich on Wednesday. Asked during a press conference on the eve of the Diamond League meet about India's possibility of hosting the World Championships in 2027, Chopra said: "They (India) are bidding. I will request them (fans), and hopefully, they will come in great capacity)."

"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. There are so many events involved (in athletics). So, if they don't come, I will push them (to come).

"The Indian people are so supportive, and they are now following athletics and taking interest in athletics. Three javelin throwers from India have finished in best six in Budapest (recently-concluded World Championships)." According to people in the know how of developments, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is planning to bid for the 2027 World Championships, but will first need to get approval from the government.

As of now, the AFI is yet to approach the government. The bid application form submission deadline is October 2. Beijing has already announced its bid for 2027 World Athletics Championships.

World Championships was hard not only on body but mind as well

Chopra has been on a roll since his historic gold-medal winning effort at the Tokyo Olympics. During the Stockholm Diamond League last year, he had set a national record with a throw of 89.94 metres.

He also bagged the silver during the World Championships last year, besides claiming the gold at the Zurich Diamond League.

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