The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin event is scheduled for May 24, but it might go ahead without Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem.
Set to take place at Bengaluru’s iconic Kanteerava Stadium, the competition—named after India’s Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra—boasts a star-studded field. It also marks Neeraj’s first performance on Indian soil since last year, making it a significant moment for Indian athletics.
Read more: Arshad Nadeem To Prepare for 2024 Paris Olympics
Organizers have extended an invitation to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj’s long-time rival and close friend. However, his participation remains unclear. His coach, Salman Butt, denied receiving any official invite, contradicting claims circulating in foreign media.
Even if invited, Arshad’s participation could be hampered by the tense political ties between India and Pakistan. These tensions often affect sporting events, as seen in debates surrounding Pakistan hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy and India’s hosting of the Women’s ODI World Cup.
Should Arshad attend, it would set the stage for a thrilling clash between two of the sport’s finest athletes, whose rivalry has always been defined by mutual respect. They’ve previously competed at major global events like the Olympics and World Championships.
The event already features elite names like Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, Thomas Röhler, and Curtis Thompson. Yet, the possible Neeraj vs. Arshad face-off remains the biggest draw, potentially turning the meet into a landmark moment for South Asian sports
