Indian javelin icon Neeraj Chopra weighed in on the recent “hate and abuse” he faced for inviting his Pakistani counterpart, Arshad Nadeem, to the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in India. Chopra shared his sentiments in a social media post on Friday after his offer caused controversy over strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
Invitation to Arshad Nadeem for Neeraj Chopra Classic
Earlier this week, Neeraj Chopra invited Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic, which will take place on May 24 in India. The event, being held under the World Athletics Gold category, will feature other high-level athletes, such as former world champions Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, and 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Roehler.
At a press briefing, Chopra said, “Like other top throwers, Arshad has received an invitation, too. It will involve government approval. Once all of this is firm up, we will see the final list.”
Even as the invitation came, tensions between India and Pakistan increased after an attack in Indian-held Kashmir left people dead, prompting retaliatory actions. Pakistan suspended trade and shut airspaces with India, which made things complicated for Chopra’s gesture.
Neeraj Chopra Speaks Out Against Hate and Abuse
Neeraj Chopra, who won a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but had to be content with silver behind Nadeem in Paris last year, reacted to the hate and abuse on social media directed towards him. “I am not a man of many words, but that doesn’t mean I won’t speak up against what I believe is wrong,” Chopra said. “Especially when it is questioning my affection for our country, and the respect and honour of my family.”
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Chopra made sure to stress that his invite to Nadeem was “from one athlete to another, nothing more, nothing less.” The reason behind the Neeraj Chopra Classic was to have the finest sports persons come to India, promote India as a sporting hub with global-standard events.
National Interest Comes First for Neeraj Chopra
With the latest diplomatic strains in mind, Neeraj Chopra attested that Arshad Nadeem’s presence at the NC Classic was “completely out of the question” in light of current events. “My nation and its interests first always,” Chopra insisted, while stating his thoughts and prayers were with all the people touched by the situation.
Chopra articulated his pain and irritation at the tirades made about him and his family. “I have brought my country pride for all these years now, and therefore it pains to see my integrity questioned,” he said. He also regretted how untruths had been spun around him, insisting that just because he didn’t utter a word, it did not mean that was true.
Defending His Family and Values
Chopra also addressed the unjustified criticism against his family, especially his mother, Saroj Devi, whose innocent remarks had earlier been hailed but were now being targeted. “When my mother had said something innocent a year ago, there was a flood of praise for her opinion. Today, the same individuals haven’t spared her from criticising her for that very same remark,” Chopra said.
His mother had been delighted with both her son’s silver medal and Nadeem’s gold, saying that “it was ‘my child’ Arshad who had bagged gold.” Nadeem’s mother, Raziah Parveen, also expressed her admiration for Chopra, referring to him as “like a son” and wishing him her prayers.
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Looking Ahead: Neeraj Chopra’s Commitment to India
Neeraj Chopra reaffirmed his loyalty to his nation and his resolve to work even more diligently. “I will work even harder so that the world never forgets India and gazes at it with envy and respect for all the right reasons,” he announced.
Notwithstanding the competition, Chopra and Nadeem are close friends. Nadeem had earlier mentioned their camaraderie, “We have to work hard for our countries when we are playing against each other. I wish our friendship endures for a long time.”
Chopra’s words are a stirring reminder of the individual sacrifices sportspersons make when they are representing their nation globally, dealing with both friendly competitions and pressures from society.