Arshad Nadeem on Neeraj Chopra’s ‘Not Close Friends’ Comment: “I Will Always Stand With Our Army”
Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem has addressed recent comments by India’s Neeraj Chopra regarding their friendship, choosing to highlight his allegiance to the Pakistani army amidst ongoing cross-border tensions. Nadeem’s remarks came ahead of his departure for the Asian Athletics Championships.
Tensions Simmer: Arshad Nadeem Responds to Neeraj Chopra’s Remarks
Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem has broken his silence regarding recent statements made by Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra about the nature of their relationship. Citing the prevailing political climate between India and Pakistan, Nadeem emphasized his unwavering support for his country’s military.
What Happened: Nadeem Cites Tensions, Army Support
When asked on Thursday about Neeraj Chopra’s recent comments ahead of the Doha Diamond League, Arshad Nadeem, who secured gold at the Paris Olympics 2024, chose not to directly engage with the specifics of their friendship.
“I don’t want to make any comments about Neeraj because of the ongoing conflict with India,” Nadeem told reporters before leaving for the Asian Athletics Championships. “I come from a village, and I will only say that my family and I will always stand with our army.”
This statement followed Chopra’s earlier clarification where he stated he and Nadeem “were never really close friends” and acknowledged that the dynamic between them would likely change following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Chopra had remarked, “But because of the current situation, things will not be as they were. That said, if someone speaks to me with respect, I always respond in kind.”
Who Is Affected: Athletes and Cross-Border Sporting Ties
The comments from both prominent athletes highlight how geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan can impact personal and professional relationships in the sporting arena. Fans in both nations closely follow the interactions between these top javelin throwers.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack and Neeraj’s Earlier Invitation
The “current situation” referred to by Chopra involves heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to escalated border tensions before a ceasefire was eventually declared.
Interestingly, prior to these escalations, Neeraj Chopra had faced some criticism on social media for inviting Arshad Nadeem to the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic. This athletics event, approved by World Athletics and initially scheduled for Bengaluru, was later postponed. It’s important to note that these invitations were extended before the Pahalgam terrorist attack occurred.
A Storied Rivalry on the Field
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem have been prominent figures in javelin throw, engaging in intense competition since the 2018 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Their rivalry reached a peak at the Paris Olympics 2024, where Nadeem achieved a stunning 92.97-metre throw to win the gold medal, an event where Chopra was a strong contender.
What Happens Next
With both athletes focusing on upcoming competitions like the Asian Athletics Championships and potentially future Diamond League events, the sporting world will be watching to see how their on-field rivalry and off-field interactions evolve amidst the complex political backdrop.
6. Editor’s Note: Editor’s Note: This article is based on a report from an international news agency, originally covering Arshad Nadeem’s comments on Neeraj Chopra and regional tensions, published recently.
