Neeraj Chopra Classic Javelin Throw Event Shifted To Bengaluru. Reason Is This

The maiden edition of Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event on May 24 has been shifted from Panchkula to Bengaluru due to inadequate lighting at the original venue for live telecast but the field will be teeming with stars as the likes of Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler have confirmed their participation. Peters, who hails from Grenada, is a two-time world champion and Rohler is the gold-medallist from the 2016 Olympics. Chopra said he has also invited Pakistani Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem who is, however, yet to confirm participation.

"I have sent invitation to Arshad and he said he will get back to me after discussing with his coach. As of now he is yet to confirm participation," Chopra told reporters in a virtual media interaction on Monday.

The competition has been granted category A status by World Athletics, which has also changed the venue of the event on its calendar.

"I wanted the event in Panchkula but there are certain issues related to lighting (floodlight) at the stadium there. World Athletics requirement is 600 lux (a measure of the intensity of light) for international broadcast, which is not there (in Panchkula) and it will take time (to install it)," he said.

"So for this year we have decided to shift the event to Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. I have spoken to Karnataka chief minister. We have the JSW team there to take care of every aspect in organising the event successfully. I feel the evening weather in Bengaluru would be perfect for the event, for the athletes and the fans,” Chopra said.

"Our endeavour is to give best experience to the fans and best hospitality to foreign participants," said the 27-year-old who is also supported by Bengaluru-based JSW Sports.

The event will be jointly