Neeraj Chopra will be hosting India’s first premier javelin competition, and he’s throwing a hand over the border. The Olympic gold medal winner has extended an invitation to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem—the toughest competitor and the person who defeated him at the Paris 2024 Olympics—to the Neeraj Chopra Classic’s first edition on May 24 in Bengaluru.
The event is part of the World Athletics Gold category and will feature big names like Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, Thomas Roehler, and Curtis Thompson. But all eyes will be on whether Arshad accepts the invitation.
Will Arshad Say Yes?
“I’ve spoken to Arshad and invited him,” Neeraj shared in a press conference. “He said he’ll talk to his coach and get back to me.”
With political relations between India and Pakistan being strained, any sporting crossover must be approved by the government. Arshad’s presence is uncertain for now, although the invitation is sincere and open.
The two javelin stars last met on the track when Arshad shocked the athletics fraternity with a record 92.97m throw at the Paris Olympics, surpassing Neeraj’s season’s best of 89.45m. A rematch on home ground would be banner news.
Neeraj’s Big Dream for Indian Athletics
Having an event named after him is a big moment for Neeraj. Inspired by his coach, the great Jan Zelezny, Neeraj hopes the Neeraj Chopra Classic becomes an annual highlight.
“It feels surreal,” he said. “This is my way of giving back to Indian athletics. I’ve won medals, but this event will enable local talent to compete against the world’s best. That’s how we grow.”
Read More: What does HBL PSL Need to Compete Globally? Salman Ali Agha Reveals
The long-term plan is to introduce more disciplines to the competition. For the moment, however, the emphasis is on generating excitement around javelin—something Neeraj has done single-handedly in a cricket-crazy country.
Diamond League in India Next?
Neeraj isn’t content with just one event. He wants to introduce a Diamond League meet to India as well. “We have world-class stadiums and increasing fan interest,” he said. “World Athletics knows this. I think it’s possible.”
For a nation where sport seems to play second fiddle at best, Neeraj’s perseverance is breaking new ground. Regardless of Arshad becoming a part of the party or not, the Bengaluru tournament is already one gigantic step ahead.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates