Yego set for action at Neeraj Chopra Classic, India

Former world javelin champion Julius Yego has thrown his weight behind 2020 Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra’s bold bid to grow the sport in India, as he prepares to compete at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic on July 5 in Bengaluru.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on arrival in India, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist said his participation is about more than just chasing distance.

 “The main thing was to come and support Chopra in his dream of making javelin a popular event in India,” said Yego.

The rescheduled meet has attracted a high-calibre field, with the organisers confirming a 12-member entry list for the one-day event.

Among the top names joining Yego in Bengaluru are Thomas Röhler, the Rio 2016 Olympic champion from Germany, Curtis Thompson of the USA (Pan American Games champion), Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva who won the 2025 Kipkeino Classic in Nairobi.

“Yes, it’s a competition, with world-class throwers from across the globe all of us looking for strong distances as we build toward the World Championships in Tokyo. Personally, I want to improve my season best. The 85m mark is definitely the target,” added Yego.

Yego is coming off a strong domestic performance where he retained his national title with a 79.27m throw at the AK National Championships in Nairobi. He also recently threw a season-best 82.95m to win in Lahti, Finland.

The veteran also received a boost off the track after being promoted to the rank of Inspector in the Kenya Police Service this week.

“Thank you Mr. IG Douglas Kanja for the new job group. I’m truly grateful and ready to serve with dignity,” Yego posted. 

The Neeraj Chopra Classic is the next stop in Yego’s packed season that also includes the Paris Diamond League on June 20, before shifting full focus to the World Championships in Tokyo this September, where he is aiming for a major comeback.