No friendship with Arshad Nadeem, says NEERAJ CHOPRA

Javelin legend Neeraj Chopra spoke maturely on a burning topic, his relationship with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won the gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Addressing the media in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, ahead of the Diamond League, Neeraj fired point blank, like a shooter. “Firstly, I want to clarify that we never had a very strong relationship. But if somebody talks to me respectfully, I always like to talk to them the same way. But things won’t be the same after this,” said Neeraj at the media briefing.

Since the time Neeraj Chopra had planned to host the NC Classic in Bengaluru in May, the chatter has been on Arshad Nadeem and if he would be invited. Neeraj had said at that time itself Arshad was not coming, though the questioning continued. And after the terror incident in Pahalgam in April and the Indian Defence Forces smashing Pakistan Air Force bases at critical points, the chatter has grown. For the record, Neeraj has also cancelled the NC Classic.

First things first, knowing Neeraj’s soft personality, he will never be rude to anyone. But then, as a true Indian ambassador and someone who has been elevated as Lt Colonel in the Territorial Army, Neeraj will be circumspect. His words on Arshad Nadeem are timely, that there is nothing special between them. Officially, the Operation Sindoor, which has seen the Indian Air Force destroy air bases and even a nuclear base near the Kairana Hills has resulted in plenty of Pak bashing.

Neeraj did not get into anything like that, though he cleared the air on what it is to be a professional athlete. Of course, there is every chance Neeraj and Arshad Nadeem may be in fray again at some other meet. For example, the World Championship later this year in Tokyo could see them compete against each other. However, there is also suspense as to why Arshad does not compete that often.

When Arshad Nadeem won gold in the Paris Olympics and Neeraj silver, the mood was different. Though the Indian legend losing to Arshad did rankle, there was nothing much which could be done. Of course, there were statements from Pakistan, where Arshad’ mother had spoken in praise of Neeraj. Well, never trust a Pakistani, as deep down they are fundamentalists. Look at how some former Pakistani cricketers are behaving on social media.

The buzz has to go away from India versus Pakistan in javelin. Neeraj now trains under legendary Jan Zelezny in South Africa. Neeraj, who won a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, had been training for very long under Klaus Bartonietz. After Paris and a few more events like the WANDA Diamond league in 2024, Neeraj had to move on. Klaus is in his mid-70s and did not want to be away from home any longer.

So, when Neeraj decided to hook up with Jan Zelezny, a shining light in javelin, it led to a lot of joy. Neeraj had grown up watching videos of Zelezny in the early part of his career. For those who have followed Neeraj’s career, there has been scope for tweaking his technique. Two things, to improve distance and also increase the distance which he throws the javelin.

At a meet in South Africa, on April 16, Neeraj threw 84.52 metres at an invitational meet. This was way below the personal best of Neeraj – 89.94 metres. Training under Zelezny, the three-time Olympic champion, what will be worth watching on May 16 will be how Neeraj approaches the competition. Technique and distance, both will be more important to view. As Neeraj slips into another Olympic cycle, it will be interesting to watch how he progresses and stay super fit.