What did Pakistani Athlete Arshad Nadeem say after Inviting him to India for Javelin Event by Neeraj Chopra
In preparation for hosting a unique one-day international javelin competition in Bengaluru in May 2024, India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is getting ready. The event, being organized by JSW Sports and named in honor of Neeraj himself, will feature some of the world’s top javelin throwers. Neeraj revealed on April 21 that he has personally invited several elite athletes he has shared the field with, including long-time rival and friend Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan.
Neeraj and Arshad, who have built a sporting bond over the years through fierce competition on the global stage, might once again share the arena-if Arshad’s participation materializes. “Yes, I have spoken to Arshad Nadeem,” Neeraj told reporters, adding that while Arshad was positive, he is still in discussion with his coach and has not yet confirmed. “If he agrees to participate, there will be involvement from both governments. Once things are finalized, we’ll be able to release the complete list of athletes.”
Several Indian javelin throwers, including Rohit Yadav, are set to take part in the event alongside Neeraj, who is also a silver medalist at the Paris Olympics. International athletes have already confirmed their participation, including Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler, Olympic bronze medallist Yulius Yego, two-time world champion and Olympic champion Anderson Peters, and current American world leader Curtis Thompson. Many more top-tier athletes from Europe and around the world are also expected to join.
The event was initially planned to be held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, which is Neeraj’s home state. However, it was relocated to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Neeraj explained that the decision was due to lighting limitations at the Panchkula venue. The stadium’s lighting was inadequate for broadcast quality, with only 600 lux. We didn’t have enough time to upgrade the lighting,” he said.
Chopra also confirmed that the final decision to move the venue was made after discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and only after receiving his support did Neeraj proceed with making the announcement public.
