India’s javelin star, Neeraj Chopra, has been in the headlines after the Pahalgam attack for inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to his prestigious Neeraj Chopra Classic event scheduled in May. The javelin thrower confirmed on Monday that the invitations have been sent to Nadeem, and they’re awaiting a response confirming his visit. He said, “I have sent invitation to Arshad and he said he will get back to me after discussing with his coach. As of now, he is yet to confirm participation.”
However, after the terror attack in Pahalgam, many have been questioning Neeraj Chopra’s integrity for inviting a Pakistani to India for his event, especially during the post-attack tensions. While Nadeem has declined the invitation, sparking further debate, although he gave another reason for his absence, Neeraj Chopra has finally broken his silence on the ongoing speculations.
Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence On Ongoing Speculations
He took to his X account and wrote, “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,”
He further explained that the invitation was nothing but an athletic gesture, and the invites were sent before the Pahalgam attack. He stated, “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.”
He mentioned that Nadeem’s presence was “out of the question” after everything that had been going on in the nation after the attack. He wrote, “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.”
He further showed confidence in his nation’s strength and courage and mentioned, “I am confident that our country’s response will show our strength as a nation, and justice will be served. 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.”
When Is Neeraj Chopra Classic Event?
The Neeraj Chopra Classic event is set to take place on 24 May in Bengaluru. The event was designed to honour Neeraj Chopra and his brilliance in the sport. It will also serve as a qualifier event for the World Athletics Championship 2025. Many world-class javelin throwers will be joining Neeraj Chopra in this iconic event.
Also Read: Why Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem Declined Neeraj Chopra’s Invite To India
