Neeraj Chopra Classic postponed indefinitely amid India-Pakistan tensions

Neeraj Chopra (Pic: AFP)

The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, originally set to take place on May 24 in Bengaluru, has been postponed indefinitely due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

India's celebrated javelin star and double Olympic medallist, Neeraj Chopra, had previously announced that the high-profile athletics meet was being relocated from its initial venue in Panchkula to Bengaluru. On Friday, Chopra confirmed the postponement via a post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing an official statement issued by the NC Classic organising team.

"In the light of the current situation, the inaugural edition of the NC Classic stands postponed until further notice," the statement read. "This decision has been made after careful thought and consultation, with the well-being of athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community as the top priority."

"We believe in the unifying power of sport. But, in this critical moment, standing firm with the nation matters most. All our gratitude and thoughts at this point are only with our Armed Forces, who are at the forefront for our nation. Jai Hind," he added.

This decision follows closely on the heels of a controversy that erupted last month, when Chopra revealed that he had received a barrage of online abuse and criticism for inviting Pakistan's javelin star Arshad Nadeem to participate in the Bengaluru event.

Chopra clarified that, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, Nadeem's involvement was 'completely out of the question'.

"After all that has taken place over the last 48 hours, Arshad's presence at the NC Classic was completely out of the question. My country and its interests will always come first," Chopra stated in a heartfelt post on X.

"I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn't mean I will not speak up against what I think is wrong. More so when it comes to questioning my love for our country, and the respect and honour of my family. The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another - nothing more, nothing less," he added.

Chopra also noted that the invitations had been issued on April 21, a day before the devastating attack in Jammu and Kashmir. A revised schedule for the NC Classic will be announced at a later date, depending on national circumstances.