“We were never very close friends”, Neeraj Chopra clarifies the bond with Arshad Nadeem

India Olympian and Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra clarified that he and Pakistan’s Olympian Arshad Nadeem were never “very close friends” and recognized that after recent tensions between India and Pakistan, their relationship would never be themselves.

The athletes were widely praised for their companionship, which stood out in the context of the long rivalry of India-Pakistan. Their friendly interactions in international tournaments had celebrated worldwide as a sign of sport that rises over politics. However, Chopra now believes that the growing tensions between the two nuclear neighbors will inevitably affect their bond.

“First, I would like to clarify that I do not have a very strong relationship with Arshad. We were never very close friends or nothing. But because of that [recent conflict]It will not be as before, “Chopra said during a press conference on the Diamond League in Doha, was directly addressing the reaction and speculation surrounding his links with Nadeem.

Read more: Neeraj Chopra says he received ‘hate and abuse’ for Arshad Nadeem’s invitation to India

“I never had a very deep friendship with him, but we were always respectful to each other,” he added. “Yes. As athletes we have to talk. I have good friends from the sports community around the world – not only in Javelin but also in other events.”

The controversy began after the Chopra team sent invitations to several elite athletes – including Nadeem – for the launch of Neeraj Chopra Classic, a fact created to promote sports in India. Nadeem rejected the invitation due to a conflicting training program, but extended his best wishes for the meeting.

However, public emotion was dramatically shifted after the tragic Pahalgam incident in India illegally occupied Jamo & Kashmir (Iiojk), which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Then, Chopra and his family underwent online abuse, with many questioning why a Pakistani athlete had been invited during such a sensitive period.

Chopra, who also secured a silver medal in Paris games, took the social media to cope with criticism, writing: “There were so many words about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to compete at Neeraj Chopra Classic and most of it has hatred and abuse.”

He reiterated that the invitation was a gesture of good will among athletes-“nothing more, nothing less”-and was intended to help bring world-class events to India.

Read more: Arshad Nadeem reduces Neeraj Chopra’s invitation for the Javelin Bengaluru event

Chopra and Nadeem shared a high -profile rivalry from the Tokyo Olympics, where Chopra won the Gold and Nadeem ended the fifth. Their bond, often regarded as a symbol of cross -border respect and sport, gained further admiration when the two common warm moments during the 2022 Commonwealth and World Championship.

When Nadeem became the first Pakistani athlete and athlete to win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Chopra’s mother attracted fans beyond the border saying that Nadeem was like a “son” to her.

Despite today’s official caused by political and military developments, Chopra said she would continue to show respect for Nadeem.

“I have many friends in the sport circuit, since Javelin’s throws are part of a very small community,” Chopra said. “I will always exchange the respect I receive from my fellow athletes.”