Indian Extremists Go After Neeraj Chopra for Inviting Arshad Nadeem to India

India’s golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, who captured hearts and headlines with his Olympic gold in javelin, is once again in the spotlight—but this time, for all the wrong reasons. His recent gesture of sportsmanship—inviting Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to India—has sparked a backlash from right-wing extremists across the country.

The controversy ignited after Chopra, in a recent interview, expressed his desire to see Arshad Nadeem compete in India, praising the Pakistani athlete for his dedication and resilience. The two have shared a quiet but powerful camaraderie since the Tokyo Olympics, where they both made history for their respective nations.

But in today’s hyper-polarized atmosphere, even a message of goodwill is not safe from scrutiny. Social media trolls and fringe groups quickly pounced on Chopra’s comments, branding his invitation as “anti-national” and accusing him of disrespecting Indian sentiment. Some extremist voices even called for a boycott of Chopra, a bizarre demand considering his stature as a national icon.

This reaction highlights a troubling trend—where even the spirit of sportsmanship is weaponized by those who thrive on division. Neeraj Chopra, by all accounts, did what any true sportsperson would do: extend a hand beyond borders in the name of mutual respect and competitive excellence.

What these critics fail to understand is that Chopra’s gesture isn’t about politics; it’s about progress. It’s about showing the world that athletes can be fierce competitors and respectful colleagues at the same time. It’s about breaking down walls that have long divided India and Pakistan beyond just the playing field.

Ironically, the more extremists attack Chopra for his gesture, the more they prove how desperately India needs voices like his—voices that promote unity over hatred, and humanity over hostility.

Neeraj Chopra has not responded to the controversy directly, and perhaps he doesn’t need to. His actions speak louder than the manufactured outrage of a vocal minority. And for the millions who still believe in the true spirit of sports, he remains exactly what he’s always been: a champion.