Chopra is currently in Doha, where he will headline India's challenge at the Diamond League. The event is scheduled for Friday at the Qatar Sports Club, according to Olympics.com
Neeraj Chopra (left) with Arshad Nadeem at the World Athletics C’ship (Pic: AFP)
Reigning world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on Thursday addressed the often-discussed topic of his equation with Pakistani Olympic medallist Arshad Nadeem, saying that the two do not share a 'very strong relationship'.
Speaking at a pre-event press conference ahead of the Doha Diamond League 2025, Chopra sought to set the record straight. "First of all, I really want to clear that I don't have a very strong relationship. I mean we have to talk...I have good friends in the athletics community all around the the world. But if somebody talks to me respectfully, I always like to talk to him respectfully. It's good that all javelin throwers are...because it's a very small community, everyone competes for their country, everybody wants to give their best," he said.
He further noted that given the recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, especially following the Pahalgam terror attack, the dynamics are unlikely to remain the same. "Because of this (cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan) I don't think so, it will be not like something like before. If somebody gives me respect, I will give him the same," he added.
Chopra is currently in Doha, where he will headline India's challenge at the Diamond League. The event is scheduled for Friday at the Qatar Sports Club, according to Olympics.com.
Doha has been a familiar and successful venue for the 27-year-old. In 2023, he claimed victory at the Diamond League’s Doha leg and followed it up with a runner-up finish in 2024. For the past few years, he has chosen the Doha meet as the starting point of his athletic season.
The upcoming event will mark Chopra’s second appearance of the year, following his season-opening win at the Potch Invitational Meet in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in April. There, he registered a solid throw of 84.52 meters to clinch the top spot.
As Chopra returns to Doha, the focus will also be on whether he can surpass the elusive 90-meter mark, a milestone that continues to elude him despite consistently world-class performances. He currently holds the Indian national record with a personal best of 89.94 meters.
(With ANI inputs)
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