The NC Classic will now take place at Sree Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru instead of its earlier venue, Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. The date remains unchanged- May 24.

A lineup of international javelin stars has been invited to compete, including Anderson Peters from Grenada, a two-time World Champion and Paris Olympics bronze medallist; Thomas Röhler of Germany, a former Olympic champion; Julius Yego of Kenya, a former World Champion; and Curtis Thompson from the USA, who currently tops the 2025 charts with an 87.76m throw.

Neeraj Chopra himself confirmed he will also throw at the event. Notably, Pakistani Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem has been invited, but his participation is yet to be confirmed as he awaits clearance from his coach and government.

As a Category A event under the World Athletics calendar, the NC Classic offers crucial qualification points toward the World Championships.

Speaking at a press conference, Neeraj said the idea was inspired by events like the Mondo Classic and Keeley Klassic, named after global track stars Mondo Duplantis and Keely Hodgkinson. He hopes this competition becomes a legacy platform for Indian athletics.