The legendary bout between India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has long fascinated the athletics community. Things, though, now seem to have taken a very different turn, with the rapport between the two Olympic medalists increasingly strained, driven primarily by growing geopolitical tensions between their nations.
Talking before the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra spelled out his connection with Arshad Nadeem, saying, “I would like to clear that I don’t have a very special relationship with Nadeem – we were never really close friends. But due to the present scenario, things are not going to be the same. That being said, if one addresses me respectfully, I always respond similarly.”
Neeraj’s comments came after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people and rekindled hostilities across the Line of Control. In response, India initiated Operation Sindoor, targeting terror outfits in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Arshad Refuses to Comment, Vows Support to Pakistan Army
Reporters pressed Arshad Nadeem to react to Neeraj’s Thursday comments, and he responded with subdued yet nationalistic remarks. “I would not like to say anything about Neeraj due to the current standoff with India. I belong to a village, and I can say that my family and I will always support our army,” Nadeem said in the media while departing for the Asian Athletics Championships.
Arshad keeps quiet on Neeraj’s remarks.
Pakistan’s Javelin Thrower and Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem refused to comment on India’s Neeraj Chopra’s recent remarks.
“I would like to clarify that I don’t have a very strong relationship with Arshad. We were never really close… pic.twitter.com/QfMDG2vhFP
— Nukta Pakistan (@NuktaPakistan) May 22, 2025
Social Media Backlash and the Postponed Classic
This changing dynamic is also in the aftermath of backlash against Neeraj Chopra, who himself had earlier invited Nadeem to compete in the now-postponed Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru. The present atmosphere politicized the event, even though Neeraj Chopra extended the invitation before the Pahalgam terror attack.
To our heroes in uniform – every breath of freedom we take is because of your sacrifices. Your courage under fire, your resolve in darkness, and your love for Pakistan inspire us all. We are forever in your debt. Stay strong, stay blessed. The nation stands with you! ❤️🇵🇰…
— Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadOlympian1) May 10, 2025
Interestingly, Arshad Nadeem surpassed Neeraj Chopra at the Paris Olympics 2024 with an outstanding throw of 92.97 metres, taking home the gold medal. Their off-field rivalry started at the 2018 Asian Games and carried on during the Commonwealth Games.
