'Hurts To See My Integrity Being Questioned': Olympian Neeraj Chopra On Arshad Nadeem Sporting Event Invitation

Neeraj Chopra, two-time Olympic medallist for India, has issued a heartfelt statement in light of the recent controversy over him inviting Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw meet in Bengaluru following the Pahalgam terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking to social media, the Indian javelin star explained that the invitation was extended well before the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and expressed deep sorrow over the hate and abuse he and his family have faced since. 

"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 invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another – nothing more, nothing less. The aim of the NC Classic was 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," said Chopra in the X post.

'Arshad’s Presence At NC Classic Out Of Question': Neeraj Chopra

Chopra said Arshad Nadeem's participation in the NC Classic was no longer possible after the recent terror attack, stressing that his country's interests come first. He expressed grief and anger over the tragedy, offering prayers to those affected.

"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 that are going through the loss of their people, 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," said Chopra.

"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. 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," further reads the statement Neeraj Chopra.

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