Neeraj Chopra Responds to Backlash Over Inviting Arshad Nadeem for NC Classic Amid Family Abuse and Hate

Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence on Inviting Arshad Nadeem for NC Classic Amid Online Hate and Family Abuse Following the Pahalgam Attack

Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has come out with his viewpoint on the controversy regarding inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem for the NC Classic, saying that it was simply an athletes’ gesture. The athlete expressed his hurt and disappointment at all the online abuse meted out to him and his family, especially since he invited Nadeem, who beat him to claim gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Neeraj voiced his concern over hate and vitriol through Twitter while stressing how false accusations were levelled on his valor and patriotism. The invitation was purely a sporting exchange without any political undertone aimed at drawing world-class athletes into India. However, on an earlier occasion, Nadeem refused the invitation due to other obligations such as the Asian Athletics Championship.

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It was said by Neeraj that the timing of sending out those invites was right before the unfortunate Pahalgam assault that killed 26 lives, including that of tourists. Because of this attack, no possibility seemed feasible for Nadeem regarding his participation, considering the existing tensions. Neeraj, a proud army man, bemoaned the fact that the ridicule from others had been aimed at downplaying his sentiments towards his country and his family.

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Innocuous remarks by Neeraj’s mother on Nadeem also now seem to be taking a wrong turn. One year ago, she had referred to him as her “child” after his victory in Paris; a comment that had been hailed by many. Neeraj questions how that can all change at once, as he finds it really difficult to understand how the same people who appreciated the words from the mother can just turn their backs.

Through his statement, Neeraj Chopra made it quite clear that the sport should not be used to divide politically, and his invitation to Arshad Nadeem was entirely in the spirit of promoting sporting excellence rather than sparking controversy.

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