Arshad Nadeem Declines Neeraj Chopra's Invite for NC Classic Javelin
Arshad Nadeem, Olympic gold medallist, turns down Neeraj Chopra’s NC Classic invite due to schedule conflict with Asian Athletics Championship.
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Paris Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra’s NC Classic javelin meet set for May 24 will go ahead without Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem after he declined an invitation due to a schedule conflict.
Nadeem, who won silver at the World Athletics Championships and gold at the Commonwealth Games, said the event overlaps with his Asian Athletics Championship preparations. "The Classic event is on May 24 but I must leave for Korea on May 22 for the Asian Championships, scheduled May 27-31," he said, adding that he values Chopra’s invitation and regrets he cannot attend.
His decision follows last week’s attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Organizers confirmed Nadeem discussed participation with his coach before declining.
Chopra said he invited Nadeem and awaits confirmation for future editions. "I reached out and he said he would consult his coach. He has not yet confirmed," Chopra said.
Chopra holds the Olympic and Asian records with his 92.97m throw in Paris. The Classic will feature two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler of Germany. World Athletics has granted the meet Category A status.
Originally slated for Panchkula, the event will move to Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium due to lighting standards. "Panchkula lacks the required 600 lux for international broadcast. Bengaluru’s evening conditions suit both athletes and spectators," Chopra said.
