Pakistan’s leading javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, has refrained from commenting on India’s Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, citing the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Speaking in Lahore, Nadeem stated, “I don't want to make any comments about Neeraj because of the ongoing conflict with India. I come from a village and I will only say that me and my family will always stand with our army.”

The diplomatic strain follows Neeraj Chopra’s invitation to Arshad to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) javelin event in Bengaluru. The invitation was extended before the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. However, this gesture sparked widespread criticism and online trolling of Neeraj for including a Pakistani athlete. Subsequently, the event was postponed due to heightened border tensions.

Neeraj responded by clarifying the nature of the invitation, describing it as “from one athlete to another – nothing more, nothing less.” He expressed his disappointment over the abuse directed not only at him but also at his family, remarking, “It pains me that I have to explain myself to people who are targeting me and my family for no good reason.”

Not Close Friends 

At a press conference, Neeraj Chopra made it clear that he and Arshad Nadeem are “not very close friends.” He said, “First of all, I really wanted to (make it) clear that I did not have a very strong relationship (with Nadeem).”

He added, “As athletes, we have to talk, and I have some good friends in the athletics community and from all around the world. Not just javelin throwers, but also other events. But yeah, if someone talks to me respectfully, I also talk to them respectfully.”

Neeraj emphasised that recent border tensions would affect their interactions: “Because of this (recent border tension between India and Pakistan), it will not be like something like before (his relationship with Nadeem). If somebody gives me respect, I will give him the same.”

Adding a poignant dimension to the issue, Neeraj’s mother, Saroj Devi, had earlier referred to Arshad as “like a son.” Her comment initially received praise but later attracted criticism amid rising nationalist sentiments.

Neeraj reflected on the public’s changing attitudes: “I also find it difficult to understand how people switch opinions. When my mother – in her simplicity – had made an innocent comment a year ago, there was an outpouring of praise... Today, the same people have not held back from targeting her for that very same statement.”

Focus on Sporting Ambitions

Despite the strained diplomatic relations, both athletes remain resolutely focused on their sporting goals. Arshad Nadeem, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is aiming to surpass the 100-metre mark in the javelin throw. He said, “I have always said that I always compete with myself and my ambition is to hit the 100m mark one day.”

Similarly, Neeraj recently recorded a personal best throw of 90.23 metres, determined to uphold India’s sporting pride.