Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Indian Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has addressed his relationship with Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, stating they were never particularly close friends. This clarification comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. 

"First of all, I really want to clarify that I don't have a very strong relationship [with Arshad Nadeem]," Chopra told reporters ahead of the Doha Diamond League. "As athletes, we do interact. I have some good friends within the athletic community and from all around the world. Furthermore, if someone addresses me respectfully, I reciprocate that respect." 

Chopra's comments come after he faced criticism on social media for inviting Nadeem to the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, a World Athletics-sanctioned javelin event initially scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru. The event was postponed due to rising India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. 

In response to the backlash, Chopra emphasized that the invitation to Nadeem was extended before the attack and was purely a gesture between athletes. "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," he stated. "The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another—nothing more, nothing less." 

Chopra also condemned the hate and trolling directed at him and his family for the invitation extended to Nadeem. "They haven't even left my family out of it," he noted, expressing his hurt and anger over the situation. 

Despite the controversy, Chopra remains focused on his athletic pursuits. He is set to compete in the Doha Diamond League, aiming to reclaim the title he won in 2023. The event will feature strong competition from athletes like Anderson Peters and Jakub Vadlejch. 

Chopra's clarification underscores the challenges athletes face when geopolitical tensions intersect with sports. While he maintains professional interactions with fellow athletes, the current circumstances have inevitably affected these relationships.

As the situation between India and Pakistan continues to evolve, Chopra's stance highlights the importance of separating sportsmanship from political conflicts, emphasizing respect and professionalism within the athletic community.