Neeraj Chopra’s javelin compliment bowled over by Brett Lee’s gold-standard reply

Neeraj Chopra’s javelin compliment bowled over by Brett Lee’s gold-standard reply

Australia cricket icon Brett Lee took note of India's double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra's recent remarks regarding him on javelin throw. Lee's comment coincided with Chopra's return to the nation for the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, following consecutive victories at the Ostrava Golden Spike and Paris Diamond League.

In a recent interview with JioStar, the official broadcasters of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, the Indian athlete was asked which cricketer he believed would have achieved success in the javelin throw. Chopra chose Lee, a former fast bowler for Australia. "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," he said.

In his social media response to Chopra's comment on Monday, Lee acknowledged that the javelin story was accurate and that he had dabbled in the sport while in school. He did admit, though, that he was never close to Chopra's level. In addition, Lee mentioned how hard the javelin was on the elbow before wishing the Olympic champion luck in his next competitions.

“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 posted on X.

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 https://t.co/fbbpKzd4bj

— @BrettLee_58 (@BrettLee_58) June 30, 2025

On July 5, India will host its first-ever international javelin competition, the Neeraj Chopra Classic. India-Pakistan military tensions caused it to be postponed from its original May 24 date. Additionally, the venue was moved from Panchkula to Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru because of lighting issues at the original location that hindered live broadcasting.

Seven elite international throwers and five Indian athletes will compete in the event, which is being organised by Chopra in association with JSW Sports and approved by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).