Don’t use me for propaganda, says Neeraj Chopra after outrage over remarks on Pakistani player

Neeraj Chopra of India in the qualification round of men’s javelin throw event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo on August 4, 2021. Gurinder Osan | PTI

Form of words:

New Delhi: A day after outrage on social media following his remarks on Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra on Thursday urged people not to indulge in “vested interests and publicity”.

In a video posted on Twitter, Chopra said: “Sports teaches us to stick together and be united. I am extremely disappointed to see some of the public’s reactions to my recent remarks.”

A glimpse of Chopra Interview with The Times of India It went viral on Wednesday. In the interview, Chopra said that he attempted his first throw in haste as Pakistani player Arshad Nadeem was “walking around” with the spear.

“I was looking for my javelin at the start of the final. I was not able to find it. Suddenly I saw that Arshad Nadeem was walking with my spear. Then I said to him, ‘Brother give me this spear, this is my spear! I have to throw with it’. Then he gave it back to me.”

The statement is enough for a section of people on social media to spread hatred on Nadeem and allegation that he tried to “tamper” with Chopra’s spear. A video of Chopra taking a spear from Nadeem was also shared a lot.

Putting an end to such allegations, Chopra said it is perfectly normal and legal for players to hold another player’s spear.

“People have made a big point out of my comments in an interview where I said that Pakistani player Arshad Nadeem took my spear. We keep our individual spears in one place but all players are allowed to use the spear of their choice. This is the rule. He was preparing his throw… and when it was my turn, I asked for the spear. It’s not such a big deal. I am disappointed that this issue has been exaggerated in my name.


Read also: Red FM RJ dances on ‘Uden Jab Jab Zulfen Teri’ to congratulate Neeraj Chopra, gets trolled as ‘sexist’


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