Australia’s fast bowling great Brett Lee gave a heartwarming response after Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra named him as a cricketer who could have excelled in javelin throw. The exchange happened ahead of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, India’s first international javelin competition, scheduled to begin on July 5 in Bengaluru.
In a recent media interaction, Chopra was asked which cricketer he thought had the potential to be a javelin thrower. Without hesitation, the world champion picked Lee, citing his explosive speed and athleticism. Chopra noted, “I have heard that Brett Lee was a javelin thrower. I think he could throw the javelin well, especially when he was in his peak years.”
Lee soon took to social media with a classy and modest reply. Confirming that he had thrown javelin during his school days, he admitted he was never close to Chopra’s elite level. “I did throw the javelin back at my schooling days, but nowhere near what Neeraj does & continues to do. Very tough on the elbow. I have however admired what this fine athlete can do and wish him well,” Lee wrote.
Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025: India’s first international javelin meet
The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 is a landmark event in Indian athletics, organised by Chopra and JSW Sports with backing from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). The tournament was initially scheduled for May 24 in Panchkula but had to be rescheduled and relocated due to military tensions and lighting limitations that affected live broadcasting.
Now set to be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, the competition will see participation from top javelin throwers across the globe. The star-studded lineup features seven international athletes and five Indian javelin throwers, including Chopra himself.
Neeraj Chopra enters the event on the back of impressive wins at the Paris Diamond League and Ostrava Golden Spike, and all eyes will be on him as he headlines the event in front of a home crowd.
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