Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has made it clear that the invitation sent to Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for the NC Classic in Bengaluru was done before the recent terror strike in Kashmir.
He was deeply pained by the hate showered upon him and his family, and confirmed that with the unfortunate incident in Pahalgam—26 lost their lives and several were injured—Arshad's participation in the event was now "completely out of the question."
There has been so much chatter regarding my invitation to Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic, and all of it has been abuse and hate," Neeraj wrote in a statement posted on his social media. "They haven't even spared my family. The invitation I had sent to Arshad was from one athlete to another — nothing more, nothing less.". The goal of the NC Classic was to get the best sports persons to India and have our country host world-class sporting events. Invitations had been sent out to all athletes on Monday, two days before the terrorist attack at Pahalgam. Given everything that has happened over the past 48 hours, Arshad's attendance at the NC Classic was out of the question.
Earlier this week, Neeraj spoke at a press conference in which he confirmed that the javelin meet had been shifted from Haryana to Bengaluru. He had stated that top international athletes, including Paris Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, had been invited to take part, although Nadeem had not yet replied. The final list of international participants announced last night did not feature Arshad.
Talking back at the backlash, Neeraj continued, "I generally tend to be a man of few words, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I won't voice something in return when I think it's wrong. Much more so where there's issue in questioning the love that I have for our nation, and my family's honour and respect.
He went on, "My nation and its interests will always be my first priority. To those experiencing the loss of their citizens, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Along with the whole country, I am both angered and saddened by what has occurred. I believe our nation's response will demonstrate our nation's strength and justice will be done."
Neeraj, who has won gold and silver Olympic medals for India, also expressed his shock at being criticized for not being patriotic.
"I have represented my country with honor for so many years now, and so it hurts to know that my integrity is being doubted. It pains me that I have to defend myself to people who are vilifying me and my family for no good reason.". We are ordinary people, please don't make us otherwise. There are so many rumors that some parts of the media have spun around me, but just because I don't say anything, it doesn't become true.
Speaking about a past incident with his mother, Neeraj pondered, "I also struggle to comprehend how people change minds.". When my mother -- who is simple-minded -- had innocently made that comment one year ago, there was a spate of encomium for her sentiments. Now, the same individuals haven't hesitated to attack her for the very same comment. I, however, will strive doubly hard to make the world remember India and gaze at it with envy and respect for all the good reasons," he concluded.
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