The Indian famous spear throw Neer Chopra offered the clarity of his relationship with Pakistani Arshad Nadeo and said they were never “really close friends”, although they were sharing an international reflector. Neeraj also acknowledged that their dynamics would probably remain the same after an increased cross -border tension after a recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The rivalry between Neerai and Arshad dates back to the Asian Games 2018, where both athletes shared the stage in Jakarta. Over the years, Neera’s consistency and Arshad’s emergence have formed a convincing india-Pakistani narrative in the track and terrain and achieved at the Olympic Games in Paris, where Arshad claimed gold by Olympic throwing 92.97 meters.
Neera, however, faced criticism on social media Invite Arshada to the inauguration edition of Neera Chopra ClassicJavelin’s one -day event, which was sanctioned by world athletics. Action, originally scheduled for May 24 in Bengalur, was postponed In the middle of the growing tension in India-Pakistan. Neerj condemned hatred and trolling aimed at him and his family for the invitation that spread to Arshad.
“I want to clarify that I don’t have a particularly strong relationship with NADEE – we have never been really close friends,” Neera said during a press conference on the eve of Diamond League in Doho.
“But because of the current situation, things will not be the way they were.
“As athletes we inevitably communicate. I have good friends in the athletic community around the world – not only in a spear but also in other events. Javelin is a closely braided field; each compete for his country and gives the best,” he added.
Especially Neera’s mother congratulated Arshad after winning Pakistan his first individual Olympic gold medal. Over the years, Neera has maintained cordial relationships with fellow spears, including Arshad.
Neera Chopra Classic, Neeraj’s Dream Initiative, attracted the stellar field of global throws, including former world champion Anderson Peters, for what was supposed to be the first Indian first highest javelin. Neeraj explained that the invitations were extended to all the best throw around the world – including Arshad – and that all planning was before the Pahalgam attack.
Looking forward, Neeri will compete in Doha Diamond League – his second competitive trip from 2025 – after last month he made gold at Invitational Meet in Potchefstroom with the best 84.52 meters throw.
Neeraj focuses on an elusive 90 meters this season, in addition to the defense of his World Championship this season, training under the legendary coach Jan Elezn.
Published:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
May 15, 2025
