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Key Points

Kishore Jena's injury withdrawal leaves a void in the Neeraj Chopra Classic lineup, with Yash Vir Singh stepping in. The event marks India's first international javelin competition, featuring global stars like Anderson Peters and Julius Yego. Originally postponed due to security concerns, the meet now promises a historic showdown in Bengaluru. Neeraj Chopra enters fresh off a Diamond League win, adding to the anticipation.

Key Points: Kishore Jena Out of Neeraj Chopra Classic With Yash Vir Singh Replacing

  • Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena ruled out with ankle injury
  • Yash Vir Singh steps in with 82.57m personal best
  • Event features Neeraj Chopra, Anderson Peters, and Julius Yego
  • Postponed meet now set for July 5 in Bengaluru
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Kishore Jena ruled out of Neeraj Chopra Classic, Yash Vir Singh named replacement

Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena withdraws from Neeraj Chopra Classic due to injury, replaced by Yash Vir Singh in star-studded javelin lineup.

"His absence is a blow not just for Indian fans, but for a meet designed to showcase the finest javelin talent on Indian soil. - Event Organizers"

New Delhi, June 30

India’s highly anticipated Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 will miss one of its star attractions, as Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. The setback, confirmed just days ahead of the meet, has forced the organisers to bring in Yash Vir Singh as Jena’s replacement in the elite javelin lineup for the event to be held on July 5.

Jena, who threw a personal best of 87.54m to clinch silver behind Neeraj Chopra at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, was seen as a strong contender to challenge the world’s best at this landmark event. His absence is a blow not just for Indian fans, but for a meet designed to showcase the finest javelin talent on Indian soil.

Yash Vir Singh, ranked 41st in the world, steps in with his own credentials, having registered a personal best of 82.57m at the 2025 Asian Championships in Gumi, Korea. He joins compatriots Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal in the Indian contingent.

The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025—India’s first international javelin competition—is a collaboration between Neeraj himself, JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics (WA). The event promises to be the highest-tier international athletics meet ever staged in India.

Leading the star-studded field will be Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion and reigning world title holder. Joining him are global heavyweights such as Anderson Peters (Grenada), two-time world champion Thomas Rohler (Germany), and Rio 2016 gold medallist Julius Yego (Kenya).

Originally slated for May 24, the event was postponed due to security concerns and will now take place on July 5 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Expectations remain sky-high as the stage is set for a historic evening of javelin excellence on Indian soil.

Neeraj Chopra has geared up for the event named after him by winning his first Diamond League leg in two years. Earlier in the season, he had breached the 90m mark for the first time in Doha, finishing second. Recently, he won the Ostrava Golden Spike meet with a throw of 85.29m.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone new to following javelin, I'm amazed at how India has become a powerhouse in this event! Neeraj Chopra Classic sounds like a dream lineup even without Jena. Will be watching from Canada 🇨🇦
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Ananya R
Disappointed but injuries happen in sports. AFI should focus more on sports science to prevent such last-minute dropouts. That said, Yash Vir deserves our full support - let's not put too much pressure on him!
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Vikram M
Jena's absence is a bummer but look at the silver lining - we have Neeraj, FOUR other Indians AND world champions competing! This is historic for Indian athletics. Booking my tickets to Bengaluru today! 🇮🇳
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Kavya N
Why is there so much focus only on Neeraj? Other athletes like Yash Vir work equally hard. Media should give them proper coverage too. Hope he proves himself with this opportunity! #SupportAllAthletes
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Michael C
Interesting to see India hosting such a high-profile event. The postponement was concerning but glad it's happening now. That lineup with Peters and Rohler is world class! Will be streaming it for sure.

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