'arshad’s Presence At Nc Classic Completely Out Of Question': Neeraj Chopra Says Invite Sent Before Pahalgam Attack

Neeraj Chopra has surgery his soundlessness amid mounting disapproval complete nan invitation extended to Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for nan upcoming NC Classic. The two-time Olympic medallist said nan induce was sent earlier nan Pahalgam panic onslaught and condemned nan dislike directed astatine him and his family successful its aftermath.

Addressing nan controversy, Chopra clarified that nan invitation to Nadeem was purely sporting and had “nothing more, thing less” attached to it. “It has been incredibly painful,” he wrote, reacting to nan activity of online maltreatment and accusations of lacking patriotism. “They haven’t moreover spared my family.”

Chopra explained that invitations for nan May 24 arena were sent 2 days earlier nan violent onslaught successful Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. “After everything that has happened successful nan past 48 hours, Arshad’s beingness astatine nan NC Classic is wholly retired of nan question.”

He added, “I americium usually a man of fewer words, but that doesn't mean I will enactment silent erstwhile I spot thing wrong, particularly erstwhile my emotion for nan state and nan honour of my family are being questioned.”

The last database of participants, released Thursday night, confirmed that Arshad Nadeem would not beryllium competing. Nadeem had earlier cited a scheduling conflict pinch his training for nan Asian Athletics Championships.

Chopra besides criticised nan media for circulating “false narratives,” adding, “Just because I don’t respond, it doesn’t mean they’re true.”

Referring to his mother’s past praise for Nadeem, Chopra wrote, “When my mother—speaking pinch simplicity—made an guiltless remark a twelvemonth ago, she was wide praised. Today, nan aforesaid group are attacking her for nan very aforesaid statement.”

Despite nan backlash, Chopra reaffirmed his committedness to showcasing India connected nan world sports map. “I will proceed to activity harder truthful that nan world remembers India, and looks astatine america pinch respect and admiration for each nan correct reasons.”

The NC Classic, scheduled astatine Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium, is India’s highest-rated athletics meet to date. Organised by Chopra successful collaboration pinch JSW Sports, nan Athletics Federation of India, and World Athletics, it has been awarded Gold Label position and will characteristic apical world javelin throwers.

Published on: Apr 25, 2025 11:21 AM IST