Neeraj Chopra Addresses Controversy Over Arshad Nadeem's Invitation After Pahalgam Attack
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Synopsis
Neeraj Chopra has expressed his distress over the backlash he received for inviting Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic post the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, which left many dead and injured. He emphasized that the invitation was sent prior to the attack and Arshad's participation is now out of the question.
Key Takeaways
- Neeraj Chopra faces backlash for inviting Arshad Nadeem.
- The invitation was extended before the Pahalgam attack.
- Arshad's participation is now ruled out.
- Neeraj expresses condolences for the attack victims.
- He defends his patriotism amidst criticism.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has voiced his distress after facing scrutiny regarding his patriotism for inviting Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic following the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in 26 fatalities and numerous injuries on Tuesday.
Neeraj stated that both he and his family have endured backlash for extending an invitation to Arshad for the one-day event at the Sri Kanteerva Stadium in Bengaluru on May 24. However, the Indian athlete made it clear that the invitation was extended prior to the attack and was solely based on Arshad being the reigning Olympic gold medallist, as he aims to showcase the finest talent in the country. He remarked that after the unfortunate incident, Arshad's involvement was "completely out of the question."
"I typically am a man of few words, but that doesn’t imply I won’t voice my opinion against what I perceive as wrong. Especially when it concerns questioning my love for our nation, and the respect and dignity of my family. There has been an overwhelming amount of discourse regarding my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic, much of it filled with animosity and abuse. They haven’t even spared my family from it. The invitation I extended to Arshad was simply from one athlete to another - nothing more, nothing less. The purpose of the NC Classic was to invite the elite athletes to India and to establish our country as the home of premier sporting events. Invitations were dispatched to all athletes on Monday, just two days before the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam," Neeraj articulated in a social media statement.
"In light of everything that has transpired over the last 48 hours, Arshad's participation in the NC Classic was entirely out of the question," he added.
The silver medallist from the Paris Olympics in javelin throw expressed his condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones in the Pakistan-sponsored attack in the valley.
"My country and its interests will always take precedence. To those grappling with the loss of their loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Like the entire nation, I am hurt and enraged by the events that have unfolded.
"I trust that our nation’s response will reflect our strength and justice will prevail," he concluded.
In a direct response to those questioning his devotion to the country, Neeraj stated that he has proudly carried the tricolour for years, and it pains him to hear all the "false narratives."
"I have represented my country with pride for many years, which makes it distressing to see my integrity being called into question. It troubles me that I must justify myself to individuals targeting me and my family without justification. We are humble people; please don’t distort our image. Numerous false narratives have been fabricated about me by certain media factions, but my silence does not validate them," he said.
The 27-year-old recalled an incident where his mother praised Arshad for winning a gold medal in the Paris Olympics, stating he is also her son, which received widespread admiration.
"I find it perplexing how public opinions can shift so dramatically. When my mother - in her simplicity - made an innocent remark a year ago, it was met with widespread acclaim. Today, those same individuals have not hesitated to criticize her for that very comment. Meanwhile, I will strive even harder to ensure that India is remembered and respected globally for all the right reasons," Neeraj concluded.
