Olympic gold medallist and celebrated javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan has officially declined participation in the upcoming Neeraj Chopra Classic, scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru. The decision, as confirmed by Nadeem, stems from a scheduling conflict with his training program for the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships.
As reported by PTI, Nadeem expressed his appreciation for the invitation but emphasised his focus remains firmly on preparing for the continental event, which will take place from May 27 to 31. “The (NC) Classic event is from 20th May (May 24) whereas I am scheduled to leave for Korea on 22nd May for the Asian Athletics Championship,” he explained.
The timing of Nadeem’s decision also coincides with the deeply distressing Pahalgam terror attack in South Kashmir, where at least 26 people were killed and several others injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the proscribed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has taken responsibility for the attack. The massacre at this prominent tourist destination marks one of the most harrowing incidents in recent times, occurring just 30 miles southeast of Srinagar.
Notably, Chopra had earlier extended a formal invitation to Nadeem to participate in the high-profile javelin meet. Following the invitation, Nadeem had conveyed his intention to consult his coach before making a decision.
Nadeem currently holds an illustrious profile in the sport, he is not only the reigning Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion but also the silver medallist from the last World Athletics Championships. His landmark 92.97-meter throw at the Paris Olympics stands as both an Olympic and Asian record, and ranks as the sixth-longest throw in javelin history.
Despite Nadeem’s absence, the Neeraj Chopra Classic promises to be a star-studded affair. Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion, and Germany’s Thomas Rohler, the 2016 Olympic gold medallist, have confirmed their participation.
The event has received Category A status from World Athletics, underscoring its significance on the international athletics calendar. Originally slated to be held in Panchkula, the venue for the Classic was moved to Bengaluru due to logistical concerns regarding lighting and live broadcast arrangements.
