“It Hurts To See My Integrity Being Questioned…”: Neeraj Chopra
Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has expressed deep anguish over the backlash he has faced for inviting Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru. The event, scheduled for 24 May, aims to bring world-class athletics to India.
In a heartfelt statement, Chopra clarified that the invitation extended to Nadeem was purely from one athlete to another, devoid of any political undertones. He emphasised that the invitation was sent two days prior to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has since heightened tensions.
“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. They haven’t even left my family out of it,” Chopra stated. “The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another – nothing more, nothing less.”
Chopra, who secured India’s first Olympic gold in track and field at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has been instrumental in elevating the profile of athletics in a cricket-dominated nation. His vision for the NC Classic is to position India as a hub for international athletic events, with aspirations of eventually hosting a Diamond League meet.
However, the recent events have cast a shadow over these ambitions. “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,” Chopra affirmed.
The athlete also addressed the personal toll the controversy has taken on him and his family. “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,” he lamented.
Chopra highlighted the inconsistency in public perception, noting that his mother, who once received praise for her views, is now facing criticism for the same sentiments. “We are simple people, please don’t make us out to be anything else,” he pleaded.
Despite the heavy online trolling from a section of social media users, Chopra remains steadfast in his commitment to promoting athletics in India. “I will work even harder to ensure that the world remembers India and looks at it with envy and respect for all the right reasons,” he concluded.
The Neeraj Chopra Classic is set to feature top international javelin throwers, including Anderson Peters, Thomas Röhler, and Julius Yego. While Nadeem has declined the invitation due to prior commitments, the event promises to be a significant step forward in India’s athletic journey.
