Neeraj Chopra breaks silence after integrity questioned for inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem to NC Classic

Neeraj Chopra issues statement after family gets threats.

Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra put out a post on social media platforms Instagram and X, expressing shock at the hate and abuse that he and his family have had to face in the last few days. This follows the invitation to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem for the Neeraj Chopra Classic Javelin Throw Meet set to be held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on May 24.

In the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and injured many others, the same was questioned by many around the country.

The NC Classic is a Gold Label competition being hosted by JSW Sports and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India. It is set to feature the best javelin throwers in the world, including Anderson Peters (Grenada), Thomas Röhler (Germany), and Julius Yego (Kenya). It is worth noting that Nadeem declined the invitation.

The only Indian to have secured a track and field Olympic medal, Neeraj, finally broke his silence with regards to the recent backlash he has had to face. “I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong. “I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong.

More so when it comes to questioning my love for our country, and the respect and honour of my family. There has been so much talk about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic, and most of it has been hate and abuse. They haven’t even left my family out of it.”

The 27-year-old reminded that the invitations were sent days before the tragic event took place in Kashmir.

“The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another – nothing more, nothing less. The NC Classic aimed to bring the best athletes to India and for our country to be the home of world-class sporting events. Invites had gone out to all athletes on Monday, two days before the terrorist attacks at Pahalgam.”

The athlete from Khandra, Haryana who is himself a Subedar Major in the 4 Rajputana Rifles unit, once again expressed his condolences and anger at the heinous act committed.

“After all that has taken place over the last 48 hours, Arshad’s presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question. My country and its interests will always come first. To those who are going through the loss of their loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Along with the entire nation, I am both hurt and angry at what has taken place. I am confident that our country’s response will show our strength as a nation, and justice will be served.”

Chopra expressed regret at the online hate not only he, but also his mother, has had to face for their affinity to reigning Olympic gold medallist Nadeem. While the two athletes have often publicly expressed their admiration for each other, the former’s mother, Saroj Devi, had made a comment last year about how she considered the Pakistani athlete as her son.

“I have carried my country with pride for so many years now, and so it hurts to see my integrity being questioned. It pains me that I have to explain myself to people who are targeting me and my family, with no good reason. We are simple people, please don’t make us out to be anything else.

There are so many false narratives that certain sections of the media have created around me, but just because I do not speak up, it doesn’t make it true. I also find it difficult to understand how people switch opinions. When my mother, in her simplicity, had made an innocent comment a year ago, there was an outpouring of praise for her views. Today, the same people haven’t held back from targeting her for that very same statement.”

The reigning World Championship gold medallist signed off the statement, assuring that to would come back on the field stronger and look to win more laurels for the nation. “I, meanwhile, will work even harder to ensure that the world remembers India and looks at it with envy and respect for all the right reasons. Jai Hind.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram