Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence on Inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem Amid Backlash
On April 25, Neeraj took to social media to post a detailed statement regarding the matter. He is organizing an international sporting event called the Neeraj Chopra Classic, where athletes from various countries were invited including Arshad Nadeem. However, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Neeraj faced criticism on social media for including a Pakistani athlete.
In his statement, Neeraj wrote:
“I usually speak less, but that doesn’t mean I won’t stand up against what is wrong especially when questions are being raised about my love for the country and the respect of my family.”
Key points from Neeraj Chopra’s statement:
- “There was a lot of discussion around my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic mostly filled with hate and abuse. Even my family wasn’t spared. The invitation was from one athlete to another. Nothing more, nothing less. The goal was to bring the best athletes to India and host a world-class event.”
- “Invitations were sent out to all athletes on April 21, two days before the Pahalgam terror attack. After what has happened in the last 48 hours, there is no question of Arshad participating now. My country comes first.”
- “My condolences and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives. Like every Indian, I am deeply saddened and angry. I believe that as a nation, our response will reflect our strength and justice will be served.”
Neeraj also expressed disappointment that his loyalty was being questioned:
“For years, I have proudly represented India. It’s painful to see my patriotism being doubted. False narratives are being built around me in sections of the media. Just because I choose silence doesn’t mean those lies become truth.”
He also addressed criticism aimed at his mother for past comments: “Last year during the Paris Olympics, my mother made an innocent remark about Arshad. Back then, everyone praised her simplicity. Today, the same people are using that comment to target her.”
What did Neeraj Chopra’s mother say?
After the Paris Olympics in August 2024, where Arshad Nadeem won gold and Neeraj won silver, his mother Saroj Devi said: “We are very happy. For us, even silver is like gold. The one who won gold is also like our son. He works hard too.”
This comment was widely shared on social media, even receiving praise from Pakistanis including former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar.
Arshad’s mother also made headlines, saying:
“Neeraj is like my son too. He’s Nadeem’s friend and brother. Winning and losing is destiny. May God grant him more success.”
This wasn’t the first time both athletes shared mutual respect. After the 2023 World Athletics Championships, where Neeraj won gold and Arshad took silver, Saroj Devi said:
“Everyone on the field is a player. Whether it’s Haryana or Pakistan, winning brings joy to all.”
Reactions to Neeraj’s Statement:
Neeraj usually avoids public controversies, which made his post more impactful. It quickly gained attention online.
Journalist Narendra Nath commented:
“Even a national hero like Neeraj Chopra isn’t spared by hate mongers. Imagine, he has to justify his patriotism!”
Another user, Anil, wrote:
“After the Pahalgam attack, Neeraj is receiving abuse because of Arshad Nadeem.”
Sumit Upadhyay added:
“We all know which political IT cells are pushing this toxic nationalism that is now targeting a national icon like Neeraj.”
Another user shared a photo of BJP MP Anurag Thakur with Shahid Afridi and wrote:
“When Neeraj and Arshad are seen together, it’s wrong. But Anurag Thakur with Afridi is okay?”
What is the Neeraj Chopra Classic?
Originally planned in Haryana, the Neeraj Chopra Classic will now take place in Bengaluru on May 24. Last week, Arshad Nadeem was on the guest list, but his name was omitted in the updated list released on April 24.
According to The Indian Express, confirmed participants include:
- Anderson Peters (Grenada)
- Thomas Röhler (Germany)
- Julius Yego (Kenya)
- Curtis Thompson (USA)
- Genki Dean (Japan)
- Luis da Silva (Brazil)
- Rumesha Rathnayake (Sri Lanka)
Neeraj & Arshad’s Rivalry and Friendship:
Despite being sporting rivals, Neeraj and Arshad have frequently displayed camaraderie on and off the field.
- At the Paris Olympics, they were seen shaking hands and hugging post-match.
- In 2023, Neeraj called Arshad over for a joint photo after winning gold. Arshad joined without his national flag, and the photo went viral.
- In 2022, when Neeraj missed the Commonwealth Games due to injury, he congratulated Arshad for his 90m throw and gold medal, wishing him luck for future competitions.
- Across 10 javelin matchups, Neeraj has placed first 7 times, and second 3 times, while Arshad has claimed the top spot just once — at the Paris Olympics.
There was also past controversy when some falsely claimed Arshad tampered with Neeraj’s javelin during the Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj had clarified: “Any athlete can use another’s javelin. Please don’t twist my comments to push your agenda. Sport teaches us unity and respect.”