Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence: “My Country Comes First” Amid Backlash Over Inviting Arshad Nadeem to NC Classic 2025

Neeraj Chopra Breaks Silence: India’s golden boy and Olympic hero Neeraj Chopra has finally broken his silence, addressing the wave of hate, abuse, and misinformation circulating online after his invitation to Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem for the upcoming NC Classic 2025 in Bengaluru.

The emotional outpour from the 27-year-old javelin star comes just days after the Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically claimed 26 innocent lives—mostly tourists. In the wake of national mourning, a section of social media turned hostile toward Chopra for what many misunderstood as a political statement rather than a sporting gesture.

“After all that has taken place over the last 48 hours, Arshad’s presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question. My country and its interests will always come first,” said Chopra in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

An Athlete’s Spirit, Twisted by Trolls

The Neeraj Chopra Classic, set to take place on May 24 in Bengaluru, was envisioned as a landmark event to put Indian athletics on the global map. Invitations were extended to top athletes from around the world—including Arshad Nadeem, who clinched gold ahead of Chopra at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

However, Chopra made it clear that these invites went out before the terror attack, with no political undertone. Despite this, he found himself and his family in the crosshairs of online hatred.

“They haven’t even left my family out of it. My mother, in her simplicity, once called Arshad like her son—and now, she’s being targeted for the same words that were praised a year ago,” Neeraj wrote, visibly pained.

“We Are Simple People… Don’t Make Us Villains”

Neeraj Chopra, a Subedar Major in the Indian Army and a symbol of Indian pride, stood his ground while reaffirming his patriotism. He slammed those questioning his loyalty and integrity.

“I am a man of few words, but I won’t stay silent when my love for my country or the dignity of my family is attacked. We are simple people. Please don’t make us out to be anything else,” he wrote.

Chopra emphasized that the NC Classic was not a political event but a celebration of world-class sports in India, aimed at inspiring the next generation.

A Champion Who Stands Tall—On and Off the Field

In a nation still grappling with grief from the Pahalgam tragedy, Neeraj Chopra’s words offered a rare moment of honesty and vulnerability. As a man who’s carried India’s hopes on his shoulders and brought home Olympic gold, his pain was palpable.

“It hurts to see my integrity being questioned. But I promise to work even harder so the world looks at India with pride, not prejudice,” he concluded.

Final Word

As the countdown to NC Classic 2025 begins, one thing is clear—Neeraj Chopra is more than just an athlete. He’s a voice of reason, a patriot, and a beacon of hope in a time when hate too often overshadows honor.