MUMBAI: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has addressed the wave of criticism and abuse he received after extending an invitation to Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to participate in the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic in India.
The Indian athletics icon had earlier invited Nadeem to compete in the prestigious meet scheduled for May 24. The event, part of the World Athletics Gold series, will also feature elite global athletes, including world champions Anderson Peters and Julius Yego, Olympic gold medallist Thomas Roehler, and American Curtis Thompson.
Speaking at a press conference, Chopra clarified, “Like other top throwers, Arshad too has been invited. It will, of course, involve government permission. The final list will be confirmed once clearances are granted.”
However, the invite triggered a backlash on Indian social media, as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have sharply deteriorated in recent days following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. In response, both countries have enacted a series of retaliatory measures, including airspace closures and suspension of trade.
Addressing the controversy, Chopra took to his social media platforms on Friday, expressing dismay at the reaction his invitation received. “There has been so much talk about this — most of it filled with hate and abuse,” he wrote. “I am usually a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean I will stay silent when my patriotism and family’s honour are questioned.”
Chopra, who famously won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but finished behind Nadeem at last year’s World Championships in Paris, emphasized that his gesture was purely sporting in nature. “The invitation was from one athlete to another — nothing more, nothing less,” he said.
He added that the Neeraj Chopra Classic was envisioned as a platform to bring the world’s best talent to India and raise the nation’s profile in international athletics. “But after the developments of the last 48 hours, Arshad’s participation is now out of the question,” he said firmly. “My country and its interests will always come first.”
Chopra also expressed hurt over personal attacks on him and his family, particularly after an old statement by his mother resurfaced. Following the Paris Games, his mother, Saroj Devi, had said she was proud of Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal win, calling him “like a son.”
“People who once praised my mother for her kind words are now targeting her for the same,” Chopra lamented. “There are so many false narratives circulating. Just because I usually stay silent, doesn’t make them true.”
Despite the controversy, he ended his message on a determined note. “I will continue to work harder so the world respects and remembers India for all the right reasons.”
Nadeem, who shares a friendly sporting rivalry with Chopra, has also spoken positively about their relationship. “We compete for our countries, but off the field, we are good friends,” he said after last year’s World Championships.
