‘Hurts to see my integrity being questioned’: Neeraj Chopra responds to criticism over inviting Arshad Nadeem

‘Hurts to see my integrity being questioned’: Neeraj Chopra responds to criticism over inviting Arshad Nadeem
‘Hurts to see my integrity being questioned’: Neeraj Chopra responds to criticism over inviting Arshad Nadeem

New Delhi: India’s ace javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has come forward with a statement regarding the widespread criticism he faced over the last two days following the Pahalgam terror attacks. The backlash mounted from Chopra extending an invite to Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a javelin event to be held in India.

On Friday, Neeraj took it to his social media handle to post an image containing a long statement regarding the recent events that unfolded following his invitation to Nadeem and the ghastly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that shook the entire nation. It is understood that there has been widespread anger over Chopra inviting the Pakistani athlete to India amidst all that has been going on in the country for the last 48 hours.

Chopra, however, broke his silence and gave a long clarification to the critics. “There has been so much talk about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic, and most of it has been hate and abuse…The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another – nothing more, nothing less.

“Invites had gone out to all athletes on Monday, two days before the terrorist attacks at Pahalgam…After all that has taken place over the last 48 hours, Arshad’s presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question. I am confident that our country’s response will show our strength as a nation, and justice will be served.”

More to follow…

 Neeraj Chopra has released a statement following the backlash he received over inviting arch-rival Arshad Nadeem to Neeraj Chopra Classic, in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attacks.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today