Doha, Qatar – May 15, 2025: Indian Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has acknowledged that his well-known friendship with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has been affected by the recent military tensions between India and Pakistan.
The two star javelin throwers have long been celebrated for rising above the historic rivalry between their countries, often showcasing camaraderie at global events. However, speaking ahead of the Doha Diamond League (scheduled for May 16), Chopra said their relationship would likely not be the same moving forward.
“It will not be like it was before,” said Chopra in response to the escalating cross-border tensions.
Chopra clarified that while their connection was not deeply personal, there was always mutual respect between them.
India-Pakistan Conflict Casts Shadow Over Sportsmanship The statement comes after a recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan that nearly escalated into a fifth full-scale war. On April 22, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killed 26 civilians, intensifying diplomatic strains.
Chopra had earlier invited Nadeem to the Neeraj Chopra Classic, a javelin event in India, but the Pakistani athlete declined, citing preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships (May 27-31 in South Korea). The event was ultimately postponed due to the political climate. On April 25, Chopra publicly stated that Nadeem’s participation was “completely out of the question” following the Pahalgam tragedy.
From Shared Podiums to Social Media Statements Both Chopra and Nadeem have previously shared moments of sportsmanship that won hearts across South Asia — including a viral image from the World Athletics Championships 2023, where the duo stood with arms around each other after winning gold and silver, respectively.
Even Chopra’s mother received widespread praise in Pakistan when she called Nadeem “like a son” after his historic gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ending Pakistan’s 32-year Olympic medal drought.
But the recent conflict saw both athletes take to social media to back their respective armed forces, a departure from their earlier gestures of unity.
Sporting Events Missed Amid Rising Tensions Nadeem will not be competing at the Doha Diamond League, and Chopra is expected to skip the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea, making it unclear when the two athletes will next face each other on the field.
Despite the political tensions, Chopra emphasized that he remains respectful towards all athletes in the javelin community.
“I have a lot of friends in the athletics circuit since javelin throwers are a small group. I will always reciprocate the respect I receive,” he concluded.
