“Hurt But Clear”: Neeraj Chopra Responds to Criticism Over Arshad Nadeem’s Invite to NC Classic

April 25, 2025: India’s Olympic gold medallist and javelin ace Neeraj Chopra has responded firmly and emotionally to the wave of criticism and personal attacks he and his family have faced after inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, set to be held in Bengaluru on May 24.

The controversy erupted after Chopra extended an invitation to Nadeem—his rival and Paris 2024 gold medallist—for the one-day international javelin event. But just a day later, the country was shaken by a horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people and left several others injured. The tragic incident shifted the public mood, and Neeraj’s gesture—initially seen as one of sportsmanship—became the target of online vitriol.

Speaking at a press conference and later sharing a detailed statement on X (formerly Twitter), the 27-year-old athlete clarified that the invitations for the NC Classic had been sent out before the attack took place.

“The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another—nothing more, nothing less,” Neeraj said. “The aim of the NC Classic was to bring the best athletes to India and make our country the home of world-class sporting events.”

But as the social media backlash intensified, even Neeraj’s family, particularly his mother Saroj Devi, became targets. Many referenced her previous remark describing Arshad as “like a son,” a comment that had once been widely lauded for its warmth and sportsmanship following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“It hurts to see my integrity being questioned and false narratives being spun,” Neeraj wrote. “We are simple people, and I request that my family not be dragged into something they don’t deserve. Just because I don’t always speak up, doesn’t make the accusations true.”

He also clarified that in the wake of the Pahalgam attacks, Arshad Nadeem’s participation in the event was “completely out of the question,” adding, “My country and its interests will always come first.”

The athlete—who became a national icon after clinching India’s first Olympic gold in athletics at Tokyo 2020—said he has always carried India’s name with pride, and that he remains committed to showcasing the country’s spirit, strength, and sporting excellence on the world stage.

“I will work even harder so the world remembers India with respect for all the right reasons,” he said, concluding his statement with a heartfelt “Jai Hind.”

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Conclusion:

Neeraj Chopra’s statement is a reminder of the difficult balance athletes often face when sports, politics, and emotion collide. While the country mourns a national tragedy, his message offers a plea for empathy, unity, and above all, perspective—a call to judge gestures for what they are, and not what anger or grief may turn them into.