Previously, the Indian star Neeraj Chopra had also sent an invitation to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem. But amid the rising political tensions between the countries, Nadeeem decided to skip the event
Neeraj Chopra. Pic/AFP
Besides Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav, Sachin Yadav, and Sahil Silwal will be the other Indian participants in the javelin throw event at the NC Classic 2025. This Indian contingent will compete against some of the world’s top athletes, including Anderson Peters, Thomas Röhler, and Julius Yego.
Scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 24, the NC Classic 2025 will see Chopra as the main attraction in the event named after him.
"India, here’s your homegrown contingent for the #NCClassic2025! The full list of confirmed Indian javelin throwers for the inaugural edition of the #NeerajChopraClassic is out! Stay tuned as they take the runway in Bengaluru. @sachin_javelin_, @rohit_yadav, @sahil_silwal," said the post.
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Classified as a ‘Category A’ event by World Athletics, the NC Classic 2025 will be the highest-tier international athletics event ever hosted in India. It is being co-organised by Neeraj Chopra, JSW Sports, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and World Athletics (WA), and will take place at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Neeraj-Nadeem Controversy
Earlier, Chopra had extended an invitation to Pakistan's Paris Olympic javelin throw champion Arshad Nadeem. However, Nadeem opted to skip the event, as it clashes with his Asian Athletics Championship training period. This came amid rising political tensions between the two countries after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in South Kashmir, that left 26 dead and as many injured.
Following the invitation, Neeraj was met with widespread backlash and criticism across social media platforms. In response to the negativity, he voiced his deep disappointment, condemning the unwarranted hate and divisive sentiments circulating online.
“I usually am a man of few words, but that doesn’t mean I won’t speak up against what I believe is wrong—especially when my love for the country and the honour of my family are being questioned. The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another — nothing more, nothing less,” said the 27-year-old Diamond League champion in a heartfelt social media post.
(With IANS Inputs)
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