Did Neeraj Chopra invite his Pak friend Arshad Nadeem to Bengaluru after Pahalgam terror attack? Javelin throw icon clarifies

Javelin throw icon Neeraj Chopra has publicly responded to the wave of criticism and online harassment directed at him and his family following his invitation to Pakistani counterpart Arshad Nadeem for the inaugural NC Classic athletics event.

 

Neeraj Chopra clarified on Friday that the invitation extended to reigning Olympic champion Nadeem was sent on Monday -- a day before the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

 

Expressing his dismay over the ensuing backlash, Chopra stated that the intense scrutiny and vitriolic messages had even targeted his family. He emphasized that the invitation to Nadeem was purely a gesture of sportsmanship, "from one athlete to another," with the overarching goal of attracting elite international athletes to India and establishing the nation as a premier destination for top-tier sporting competitions.

ALSO READ | Why Arshad Nadeem declined Neeraj Chopra's invite to compete in Bengaluru?

However, acknowledging the gravity of the Pahalgam attacks, which resulted in 26 fatalities and numerous injuries, Chopra confirmed that Nadeem's participation in the NC Classic was no longer a viable option. "Given the unfortunate incidents of the past 48 hours, Arshad’s presence at the NC Classic was simply not feasible," he explained.

 

Earlier in the week, during a press briefing announcing the change of venue and the initial list of invited athletes, Chopra had mentioned extending invitations to several prominent javelin throwers, including Arshad Nadeem, the champion of the Paris Olympics. At that time, Nadeem's participation was still uncertain. The final list of competitors, released on Thursday night, did not include Nadeem.

 

Addressing the accusations levelled against his patriotism, Chopra asserted his right to speak out against perceived injustices, particularly when his love for the country and the honor of his family are questioned.

In a post on X, he reiterated his unwavering national commitment: "The interests of my nation will always be my foremost priority. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to those affected by the tragic loss of life in Pahalgam. Along with the entire nation, I share in the pain and anger at these events. I have full faith that our country will respond with strength and ensure that justice prevails."

 

The esteemed athlete, a recipient of gold and silver Olympic medals, voiced his profound disappointment at having his integrity doubted. "It deeply hurts to see my commitment to the nation questioned after years of representing it with pride. It is distressing to have to defend myself and my family against baseless accusations. We are ordinary individuals, and it is unfair to portray us otherwise. Certain sections of the media have propagated numerous false narratives about me, but my silence should not be misconstrued as truth."

 

Chopra also pointed out the shifting public sentiment towards his family, recalling the widespread praise his mother received for a "simple, innocent comment" made a year prior, contrasting it with the current criticism directed at her for the same statement.

 

In conclusion, Chopra reaffirmed his dedication to his athletic pursuits and his country, stating, "Moving forward, I will focus on working even harder to ensure that India garners global recognition and respect for all the right reasons."

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