Neeraj Chopra asked about his relationship with Javelin Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, currently from Pakistan.
India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will compete in the Doha Diamond League on May 16, 2025. The match marks the first game of Chopra’s season in continuing to pursue high scores over 90 meters. Under the event’s hosting, Chopra was asked about his relationship with the current Olympic champion and Pakistani Javelin Arshad Nadeem.
Chopra clarified in his response that he and Nadeem had never been close friends. He also noted that ongoing cross-border tensions could further impact their relationship.
“First of all, we never really have close friends or something. After this (referring to the recent tensions in India Parker), it won’t be the same), but if someone talks with me respectfully, I will respond to respect.”
“Yes, as an athlete, we have to talk, and I have some good friends from the global athlete community, not only in the javelin community, but also other activities. If someone talks with me respectfully, I will also be fully respectful of him. Javelin is a very small community, everyone is fighting for their country, and everyone wants to do their best,” he added.
Chopra encountered major online harassment, which expanded to his family, and was invited to Arshad to participate in the ready-made NC Classic in Bengaluru, a competition designed to honor. In response to this unacceptable rebound, Chopra was very disappointed by the questioning of his and his family’s integrity in the abuse of social media posts. He clarified in the statement that the invitation to NC Classic was released the day before the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in the losses of 25 tourists and one local resident.
Also Read | “A team that doesn’t love…”: Former England captain explains why Virat Kohli is more successful than MS Dhoni in Test cricket
