Indian Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra faced a series of criticism and hatred on social media for inviting Pakistan’s javelin star and Paris Olympics gold medallist Arshad Nadeem to participate in the inaugural season of Neeraj Chopra Classic to be held at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, on May 24.
The Indian javelin star, Chopra, broke the silence and addressed the trolls directed towards him and his family on social media. Through a post on his social media handles, Chopra said he won’t step back from speaking up against what’s wrong when it comes to questioning his patriotism. “I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong”, he said.
He defended his decision of inviting Nadeem to the NC Classic 2025, saying it was an athlete-to-athlete invitation and was done prior to the heinous terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgram. “Invites had gone out to all athletes on Monday, two days before the terrorist attacks at Pahalgam.”
Here is the shared post by Neeraj Chopra:
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) April 25, 2025
Additionally, Chopra has clarified that after this unfortunate incident, the question of having Nadeem as a participant at the NC Classic 2025 is not in the equation. His post said, “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 interest will always come first.”
The Olympic champion spoke out in respect towards the victims and their families and sent his condolences. “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 pledged to keep working hard for the country on the pitch and make India proud. “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.”
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