Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem refused to participate in the Neeraj Chopra classic javelin throwing event in Bengaluru as Indian-Pakistani tensions increase.
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The gold medalist of the Paris Olympic Games, Arshad Nadeem, refused Neeraj Chopra’s offer to participate in the next Neeraj Chopra’s classic javelin throwing in Bengaluru in the middle of the increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The inaugural event of Javelin Throw Neeraj Chopra Classic will take place on May 24 at the exterior stadium Sri Kanteerava in Bengaluru.
Arshad Nadeem decreases Neeraj Chopra’s offer
Nadeem refused the invitation, citing his previous plans to participate in the Asian athletics championships in South Korea. However, many expected Nadeem to skip the Neeraj Chopra Javelin event in the middle of the India-Pakistan tensions.
“The Classic event (NC) is from May 20 (May 24) while I have to leave for Korea on May 22 for the Asian athletics championship,” said Nadeem, quoted by the PTI news agency.
“I train hard for the Asian championship to be held in Gumi, Korea, from May 27 to 31”. “”
While confirming the invitation of Nadeem on Monday, Chopra said: “I sent the invitation to Arshad and he said that he would come back to me after discussing his coach. He has not yet confirmed the participation.”
Nadeem had exceeded the champion then, Neeraj, to win gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nadeem of Pakistan won the gold medal in the male javelin event with a record launch of 92.97 m, while Neeraj won the money with a better launch of 89.45 m.
Nadeem and Neeraj are both known for their friendly ties.
Nevertheless, the Neeraj Chopra’s classic Javellin Lancer event should be a massive event, because some of the best athletes from around the world will descend on Bengaluru for competition.
The double world champion Anderson Peters (Granada), the 2016 Olympic gold medalist Thomas Rohler (Germany), the 2016 Olympic silver medalist Julius Yego (Kenya) and the chief of the current season Curtis Thompson (United States) will participate in the event.
