Neeraj Chopra says India must host global athletics competitions within two-three years

Having single-handedly raised the profile of Indian athletics at the international level, Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra now wants the country to move up a notch in the pecking order by hosting global events in the next two-three years.

India is expected to bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, but Chopra said the country could host other smaller global competitions beforehand.

andquot;It is good if we hold the World Cup in 2029, but there is still a long way to go till 2029. I think India might host some big global competitions like the Continental Tour (World Athletics) before that,andquot; Chopra told PTI in an interview with Swiss Tourism.

andquot;A global event like this (like the Continental Tour) keeps Indian fans interested in athletics. When international athletics stars come to India and compete with Indian athletes, it benefits the country's athletes and fans, andquot; he thought.