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DOHA: Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medal-winning athlete, believes that the recent tensions between India and Pakistan will affect the bond he had with his counterpart from across the border, Arshad Nadeem
The tensions between India and Pakistan reached fever-pitch following an attack last month in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) town of Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.
However, the situation returned to normal after an immediate ceasefire on 10 May, following days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone, and artillery attacks.
While speaking to Al Jazeera, Neeraj Chopra emphasized the impact of the conflict between India and Pakistan, stating that his friendship with Nadeem would not return to how it was before the tensions.
“It will not be like it was before [the recent escalations],” he said.
Neeraj Chopra further shared insights on his bond with Arshad Nadeem, mentioning the respect they had for between them.
“I never had a very deep friendship with him, but we were always respectful towards each other,” said Chopra.
Despite the distance due to recent conflict, Chopra aims to maintain a respectful demeanour towards Arshad Nadeem.
“I have a lot of friends in the athletics circuit since javelin throwers are a very small community,” Chopra said.
“I will always reciprocate the respect I receive from my fellow athletes,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that both men’s javelin athletes have been recognized globally for overlooking the decades-old South Asian rivalry with their friendly interactions at international tournaments.
Neeraj Chopra also faced backlash for inviting Arshad Nadeem to the 24 May Classic javelin event in India following the Pahalgam attack.
Nadeem declined the extended invitation and cited his preparation for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship in South Korea, slated to be held from 27 to 31 May.
The cross-border escalation led to the postponement of Chopra’s event. Before that, the 27-year-old Indian athlete released a statement on April 25, saying that Nadeem’s participation at the meet was “completely out of the question” following the Pahalgam attack.
However, it is not evident when both athletes will face each other as Arshad Nadeem is not participating at the Doha Diamond League, while Neeraj Chopra is set to skip the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea.
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