India’s Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has finally broken his silence following the controversy surrounding his invitation to Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic tournament. With questions being raised about his patriotism and even his family facing online abuse, Neeraj made it clear: “My country and its interests will always come first.”

Clarification After Public Outcry

In a heartfelt statement issued on April 25, Neeraj Chopra said:

“There has been a lot of discussion about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic. Most of it involves abuse and hatred. My family was also not spared… The invitation was from one athlete to another, nothing more, nothing less.”

Neeraj emphasized that the invite was extended two days before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed several innocent lives. In the aftermath of that tragedy, he made it clear that Arshad Nadeem would no longer be attending the tournament. “After everything that has happened in the last 48 hours, there is no question of Arshad’s presence in the NC Classic.”

A Personal Blow: Integrity Questioned

In an emotional part of the statement, Neeraj expressed how hurtful it is to see his love for the country being questioned.

“I have proudly served my country for so many years. Today my integrity is being questioned, which is very sad to see. I feel sad that I have to explain to those who are targeting my family. We are ordinary people… please do not assign any other meaning to our actions.”

Defending His Mother’s Past Comments

Neeraj also addressed the criticism directed at his mother, who had once described Arshad Nadeem as “like a son” after the Paris Olympics. That statement, which was previously hailed as a gesture of sportsmanship, has now become a target for trolls.

“It is difficult for me to understand how people change their opinion. My mother had given a statement a year ago… today the same people are targeting her. But I will work even harder so that the world remembers India for the right things.”

Arshad Nadeem Opts Out

Meanwhile, Arshad Nadeem has declined the invitation, citing prior commitments to other tournaments. The Neeraj Chopra Classic is scheduled to take place in India starting May 24, with several global javelin stars expected to participate.