'It's a Shame We Won’t Have Arshad Nadeem': Neeraj Chopra Classic Contender Reacts Post-Pahalgam Attack

Ahead of the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru on May 24, the highly anticipated javelin event has already been rocked by controversy and diplomatic tension. Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the reigning Olympic champion, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, confirmed his withdrawal, citing training commitments for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea from May 27-31.

While Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage has replaced Nadeem, his absence has drawn mixed reactions, with Julius Yego, 2016 Olympic silver medallist, expressing disappointment over Nadeem’s decision to skip the event.

“I feel for Nadeem! It could have been so nice for him to compete there (at Neeraj Chopra Classic). To me it’s a loss to the big sport. I also feel for Neeraj because he has tried his best to have him come but situations didn’t allow it to happen,” Yego said.

“So it’s a shame we will not have the Olympic champion (Arshad) competing in this very important event by Chopra in India,” he said in a chat with livemint.

“Every competition is a learning experience for all but more to the young ones. Indian athletes will be able to experience that feeling on competing among the best in the world so it’s a very good learning experience and opportunity. This is will be a very special event with special learning to most if not all.”

Earlier, Nadeem was invited by Neeraj Chopra to participate in the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, for which he was slammed by the fans back home. Neeraj, however, clarified that the invitation was sent before the Pahalgam attack.

Meanwhile, the Indian government banned Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem's Instagram account in India.

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