Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra has addressed the backlash he faced from extremist elements after inviting Pakistan’s Olympic medalist Arshad Nadeem to compete in the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin event, scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru.
Though Nadeem declined the invitation due to a scheduling conflict with the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships, Chopra’s gesture was met with criticism by some in India. In a heartfelt social media post, Chopra expressed his disappointment at the reaction, saying, “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 clarified that the invitations were sent out to all athletes on Monday—two days before the Pahalgam attack that heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship, Chopra said his invite to Nadeem was “from one athlete to another—nothing more, nothing less,” and aimed at bringing top-tier talent to Indian sporting events.
Chopra also condemned the personal attacks directed at his family, particularly his mother, Saroj Devi. He noted the hypocrisy in public opinion, recalling how her remarks last year about Arshad Nadeem were once celebrated.
“When my mother, in her simplicity, made an innocent comment a year ago, people praised her warmth. Now, those same words are being used to target her,” he wrote.
Saroj Devi had won hearts across the region when she graciously acknowledged Nadeem’s victory over her son, saying, “I’m happy with the silver. The boy who won gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child. Everyone works hard to get there.”
Her statement was widely lauded by both Indian and Pakistani fans as a touching example of humility and sportsmanship—values Chopra continues to uphold in his career.
