Country first: Neeraj Chopra speaks out on Arshad Nadeem invitation amid Pahalgam attack controversy
India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra has broken his silence on inviting Pakistani Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem amid the Pahalgam attack. He issued a statement on April 25 saying that questions are being raised about his patriotism, which he will not tolerate.
Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra has broken his silence amid the Pahalgam attack over inviting Pakistan Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem. He released a statement on April 25 alleging that questions have been raised concerning his patriotism. The family of Arshad Nadeem is being harassed for being invited. They are being abused, and hatred campaigns are being created against them that they will never accept. Neeraj explained that Arshad was dispatched prior to the Pahalgam attack. For them, the nation and its interests are paramount.
What did Neeraj Chopra mention in the explanation?
"I am generally a quiet person, but that doesn't mean I won't open my mouth even when my love for the nation and respect for my family are questioned. There has been much discussion regarding my invitation to Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic. It is largely abuse and hate. My family was also not spared. The intention of the NC Classic was to invite the best sportsmen to India and make our nation the home of a world-class sporting event. The invitation was given two days before the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam. With all that has transpired in the past 48 hours, there is no question of Arshad's participation in the NC Classic. My nation and its interests will always take precedence."
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) April 25, 2025
'Sadness of questioning honesty'
Neeraj Chopra went on to say, "I have managed my country with dignity for so long. Today my honor is being questioned, which is really sad to witness. I am sad that individuals who are harassing my family, I need to clarify to them. We are simple people, please do not clarify anything more to us. Some media outlets have built lots of false reports about me. But because I do not condemn it, does not mean that it turns true.".
This is what his mother told regarding her statement
Neeraj Chopra has also regretted his mother's comment regarding Arshad Nadeem. His mother had also referred to Arshad as her son during the Paris Olympics. "It is hard for me to comprehend how people change their minds. My mother said something a year ago, and her opinions were widely admired. Today, the same individuals are not holding back from targeting him for the same remark. But I will try even harder so that the world remembers India for the right reasons and looks at it with respect," he said.
Arshad Nadeem rejects invitation
NC Classic Javelin Tournament, starting on May 24 in India under the aegis of Neeraj Chopra, will welcome numerous world star players including Neeraj Chopra. Pakistan's Javelin star player Arshad Nadeem was also invited to the same event. But he refused to visit India by turning down Neeraj's offer. As per Arshad, he will be occupied in other tournaments during this time. Hence, you will not be able to join it.
