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4d ago

Arshad Nadeem Declines Neeraj Chopra’s Invitation to NC Classic

The Olympic champion from Pakistan prioritizes preparations for the Asian Athletics Championships, citing a scheduling conflict with the Bengaluru event.

In this combo photo, (L-R) Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem and India's Neeraj Chopra celebrate during the Paris Olympics.
(Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
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Overview

  • Arshad Nadeem, reigning Olympic javelin champion, has officially declined Neeraj Chopra's invitation to the NC Classic javelin event in Bengaluru on May 24, 2025.
  • Nadeem cited a scheduling conflict, as his departure for the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea is set for May 22, just days before the Bengaluru event.
  • The NC Classic, organized by Neeraj Chopra, will feature top athletes like Anderson Peters, Thomas Rohler, Julius Yego, and Curtis Thompson, and has been granted World Athletics Category A status.
  • Speculation arose about whether heightened diplomatic tensions following a recent terror attack influenced Nadeem's decision, though his stated reason was purely logistical.
  • The NC Classic marks Chopra's effort to elevate India’s athletics profile, but Nadeem's absence highlights the challenges of balancing elite competition schedules and fostering cross-border sports diplomacy.