President William Ruto has congratulated Kenyan javelin champion Julius Yego for finishing second at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in India.

In a message shared online on Sunday, July 7, the president praised Yego’s performance and highlighted his determination as a source of inspiration for young athletes across the country.

He noted that Yego’s discipline and focus continue to encourage upcoming talents to pursue their goals with confidence.

“Congratulations to @JuliusYegoKE on finishing second at the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in India. Your determination to succeed is a powerful inspiration to our young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with focus, discipline, and self-belief. Well done,” Ruto said.

Inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic

On July 5, 2025, the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, a World Athletics Gold-level javelin throw event, took place at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium, marking a historic moment for Indian athletics. India’s Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal with a best throw of 86.18 metres, achieved on his third attempt, despite challenging windy conditions that hindered longer distances.

Kenya’s Julius Yego, a former world champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, secured silver with a season-best throw of 84.51 metres, signalling a strong comeback after injury setbacks. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage took bronze with 84.34 meters, while Germany’s Julian Weber and Finland’s Oliver Helander placed fourth and fifth, respectively. India’s Shivpal Singh finished sixth, and other Indian athletes, including Kishore Jena, competed but ranked lower.

With around 5,000 spectators in attendance, the event showcased a competitive field of nine athletes, five of whom have career-best throws exceeding 85 metres.

Organised by the Athletics Federation of India and supported by the Karnataka government, the Neeraj Chopra Classic elevated India’s global athletics profile and inspired future talent.

Ruto’s message to Faith

Earlier on, President William Ruto celebrated Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for their world record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5, 2025. In a statement posted on X on July 6, 2025.

Ruto praised their historic achievements, noting Kipyegon’s new women’s 1500m world record of 3:48.68, breaking her own previous record, and Chebet’s 5000m world record of 13:58.06, making her the first woman to run under 14 minutes on the track.