Neeraj Chopra Clarifies Arshad Nadeem Invitation Amid Backlash

Neeraj Chopra clarified that he invited Arshad Nadeem to the NC Classic well before the Pahalgam terror attack. He said the hate and abuse have deeply hurt him and his family.

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra broke his silence on the controversy over inviting Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to his namesake event. He clarified that the invitation was sent “from one athlete to another—nothing more, nothing less,” and well before the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Invitations Were Sent Before the Attack

Neeraj Chopra said they sent out invitations two days before the Pahalgam incident. The Neeraj Chopra Classic, India’s first Gold Label athletics meet, will take place on May 24 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Invitations had gone out on Monday, two days before the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam,” he said.

Following the attack, Chopra clarified that “after everything that has happened in the past 48 hours, Arshad’s presence at the NC Classic is completely out of the question.”

Online Abuse and Personal Attacks

The javelin star expressed deep disappointment over the wave of hate he and his family have received. “There has been so much talk about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem, and most of it has been hate and abuse,” Chopra shared.

He emphasized the personal toll it has taken: “They haven’t even spared my family. It has been excruciating.” He also noted how his silence had been misinterpreted. “I am usually a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean I will stay silent when I see something wrong—especially when my love for the country and the honor of my family are being questioned.”

Nadeem Declines Participation

Although Nadeem and Chopra share mutual respect, Nadeem declined the invite due to training for the Asian Athletics Championships. The final participant list, released on Thursday, did not include Nadeem’s name.

Media Narratives and Public Reaction

Neeraj criticized the shifting nature of public opinion and misleading media coverage. “So many false narratives have been created by certain sections of the media, and just because I don’t respond, it doesn’t mean they’re true,” he said.

Referring to a previous moment of praise for his mother, he added, “When my mother—speaking with simplicity—made an innocent comment a year ago, she was widely praised. Today, the same people are attacking her for the very same statement.”

Focus on India’s Sporting Legacy

Chopra reiterated his intentions for organizing the event—to showcase top global talent on Indian soil. “The aim of the NC Classic was to bring the best athletes to India and make our country a hub for world-class sporting events,” he explained.

Despite the controversy, Chopra remains committed to his mission. “I will continue to work harder so that the world remembers India, and looks at us with respect and admiration for all the right reasons.”