Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist in javelin, has responded to the backlash he received for inviting Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem to an event in Bengaluru, set to take place in May 2025. However, Nadeem turned down the invitation but many people criticised Neeraj for the invitation after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. They questioned his decision to involve a Pakistani player while the nation was mourning.

Neeraj has now clarified that the invitation was sent much before the attack occurred. He also strongly reacted to the hate and negative comments being directed at him and his family, calling them unnecessary and hurtful.
I usually don’t say much, but I will speak up when something feels wrong, especially when my love for the country and my family's honour are questioned.

Lately, there’s been a lot of hate and criticism about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic. Some people have even dragged my family into it, which is very upsetting. I want to clarify: the invitation to Arshad was just one athlete inviting another. That’s it. Nothing more.

The goal of the NC Classic is to bring top athletes to India and make our country a hub for world-class sports events. All invites were sent out on Monday, which was two days before the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam.
After what has happened in the last 48 hours, having Arshad at the NC Classic was no longer possible. My country and its interests will always come first. To those who have lost their loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Like the rest of the nation, I’m deeply hurt and angry about what happened.

I believe our country will respond strongly, and justice will be done. I’ve proudly represented India for many years, which is why it’s painful to see my integrity being questioned. It hurts even more to explain myself to people who are unfairly targeting me and my family. We are simple people, please don’t make us out to be anything else.

Some parts of the media have spread many false stories about me. Just because I choose not to respond doesn’t mean those stories are true. I also don’t understand how people can change their opinions so quickly. When my mother made a simple and innocent comment last year, many praised her for it. Now, the same people are using that very comment to attack her. As for me, I will keep working harder so the world sees India with pride and respect, for all the right reasons.

 

You might also be interested in - Pak fires along LoC, India hits back after Pahalgam attack: Sources