Arshad's presence at NC Classic out of question, says Neeraj

Remark comes after a volley of online abuses at Olympian, his family

- NEERAJ MOHAN

Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has responded to the backlash over his decision to invite Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to the upcoming NC Classic event, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 24, giving a strong message to the critics that they should not question his Love for India.

Facing an outpouring of online hate and even personal attacks on his family, Chopra said the invitation to Nadeem—a top global javelin athlete—was purely professional and sent 48 hours before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir which claimed 26 lives.

"The invitation to Arshad was sent before the Pahalgam terror attack," Chopra stated, adding, "I am deeply hurt by the constant hate and abuse directed at me and my family. Like the rest of the nation, I am also deeply pained and angry over this incident.”