We were never really close friends: Neeraj Chopra on Arshad Nadeem
The Hindu
Neeraj Chopra clarifies relationship with Arshad Nadeem post-terror attack, adjusts to coaching change with Jan Zelezny.
Seeking to set the record straight, star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Thursday (May 15, 2025) clarified that he and Arshad Nadeem were never really close friends and said "things won't be the same" after the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
Also Read | Olympian Neeraj Chopra conferred honorary rank of Lt. Col. in Territorial Army
In the aftermath of last month's Pahalgam terror attack, the decorated athlete and his family were bombarded with abuse on social media for inviting Pakistan's Nadeem to the now-postponed NC Classic in Bengaluru.
On the eve of the Diamond League, the two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion put things in perspective when asked about his off-field equation with Nadeem, who won the gold medal in the Paris Games last year after the Indian finished at the top of the podium in the Tokyo edition in 2021..
"First, I would like to clarify that I don't have very strong relationship (with Nadeem), we were never really close friends or something. But, because of this (tensions on the Indo-Pak border), it will not be like before. But if someone talks to me respectfully I reciprocate the respect," Chopra told reporters during a press conference.
"Yes, as an athlete we have to talk, I have some good friends from the athlete community from all round the world, not only in javelin throw, but also other events. If somebody talks to me respectfully, I will also talk to him with full respect..
"Javelin is a very small community and everyone is competing for their country and everyone wants to give their best.".
