Will Kishore Jena's Injury Affect the Neeraj Chopra Classic?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kishore Jena misses the event due to injury.
- Yash Vir Singh steps in as his replacement.
- The event is set for July 5 in Bengaluru.
- Top javelin talents, including Neeraj Chopra, will compete.
- It marks a milestone for athletics in India.
New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) The excitement surrounding the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 has taken a hit, as Asian Games silver medallist Kishore Jena is unable to participate due to an ankle injury. This unfortunate news comes just days before the event, compelling the organisers to enlist Yash Vir Singh as Jena's substitute in the prestigious javelin competition scheduled for July 5.
Jena, who achieved a personal best of 87.54m to secure a silver medal behind Neeraj Chopra at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, was anticipated to be a formidable competitor against the world's elite at this significant event. His absence is a disappointment not only for Indian spectators but also for a meet aimed at highlighting the finest javelin talent within India.
Stepping in is Yash Vir Singh, currently ranked 41st globally, who holds a personal best throw of 82.57m recorded at the 2025 Asian Championships held in Gumi, Korea. He will join fellow competitors Neeraj Chopra, Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, and Sahil Silwal to represent India.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025—marking India's inaugural international javelin event—is a partnership involving Neeraj himself, JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics (WA). This event is set to be the highest level international athletics competition ever hosted in India.
Leading the impressive lineup will be Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion and reigning world titleholder. Other notable athletes include global stars like Anderson Peters from Grenada, two-time world champion Thomas Rohler of Germany, and Rio 2016 gold medallist Julius Yego from Kenya.
Initially scheduled for May 24, the event was postponed due to security concerns and is now set to occur on July 5 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Anticipation is at an all-time high as the stage is prepared for an unforgettable evening of javelin excellence in India.
Neeraj Chopra has been preparing for the event named in his honour by triumphing in his first Diamond League leg in two years. Earlier this season, he surpassed the 90m mark for the first time in Doha, finishing second. Recently, he secured victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet with a throw measuring 85.29m.