India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has responded to the intense backlash and criticism following his invitation to Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 in Bengaluru. The event is set to take place at the Kanteerava Stadium on May 24.
During a press conference on Monday, Neeraj confirmed that he had invited Arshad Nadeem to the competition, a gesture he described as one athlete reaching out to another. However, after the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people on April 22, Neeraj faced a barrage of online hate for inviting a Pakistani athlete to India during such a sensitive time.
Neeraj took to social media to express his thoughts on the situation, stating that the invitation was extended before the attack took place and was purely based on the spirit of sportsmanship. He emphasized that there was no political intent behind his decision.
“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,” Neeraj said in a statement on X. He further clarified that the invitations were sent out on Monday, a day before the tragic incident in Pahalgam. He highlighted that the goal of the Neeraj Chopra Classic was to bring the best athletes to India, fostering a world-class sporting event in the country.
Following the terror attack, Neeraj made it clear that Arshad’s participation in the event was no longer a possibility. “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,” he stated.
Neeraj also addressed the personal attacks his family faced due to the invitation. He expressed his hurt over the “false narratives” being spread about him, especially questioning his integrity. “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,” he wrote.
Neeraj further shared his disbelief over the shift in public opinion regarding his mother’s earlier remark about Arshad. After Arshad’s victory in the Paris Olympics, Neeraj’s mother, Saroj Devi, had referred to him as “like a son” to her—a statement that had initially garnered praise but was now being used against her.
“I find it difficult to understand how people switch opinions. When my mother made an innocent comment a year ago, there was an outpouring of praise. Today, the same people have targeted her for that same statement,” Neeraj added.
Concluding his message, Neeraj reiterated his commitment to his country and the sport. “I 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,” he said.
