Neeraj Chopra "Hurt and Angry" Over Backlash for Inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem to His Event

Indian javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra broke his silence Friday regarding the controversy surrounding his invitation to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem for the upcoming NC Classic in Bengaluru, stating he's been subjected to "hate and abuse" over what was intended as a professional courtesy between athletes.

The Olympic gold medalist and Army Subedar Major emphatically clarified that "Arshad's presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question" following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. "My country and its interests will always come first," Chopra wrote in a heartfelt statement on social media platform X.

Chopra revealed that invitations for the May 24 event were sent on Monday, before the terrorist attack occurred. He expressed particular distress over attacks targeting his family, especially his mother Saroj, who faced criticism for previous comments describing Nadeem as akin to her son after the Paris Olympics. 

"When my mother—in her simplicity—had made an innocent comment a year ago, there was an outpouring of praise for her views. Today, the same people haven't held back from targeting her for that very same statement," Chopra wrote, highlighting the fickleness of public opinion. 

The 27-year-old champion from Haryana, typically reserved in his public communications, felt compelled to defend himself against what he described as false narratives questioning his patriotism. "I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn't mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong. More so when it comes to questioning my love for our country, and the respect and honour of my family." 

Nadeem, who defeated Chopra to win gold at last year's Paris Olympics, had already declined the invitation citing prior commitments before the controversy erupted.

Chopra's statement concluded with a pledge to continue representing India with distinction: "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."