Arshad Nadeem Declines Neeraj Chopra’s NC Classic Invite Due to Training Clash
Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem has officially declined an invitation from Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) javelin event scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru.
Reason for Declining the Invite
- Nadeem confirmed that the event overlaps with his intensive training schedule.
- He is preparing for the Asian Athletics Championships, which will be held in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31.
- He is expected to depart for Korea on May 22, just two days before the NC Classic.
“The NC Classic is on May 24, but I’m scheduled to leave for Korea on the 22nd for the Asian Championships,” said Nadeem.
Background and Rivalry
- The invitation was extended by Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic silver medallist, who is also hosting the inaugural edition of the NC Classic.
- The two athletes share a high-profile sporting rivalry.
- At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Arshad Nadeem won gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97m, while Neeraj Chopra claimed silver with a throw of 89.45m.
Star-Studded Line-Up at NC Classic
Despite Nadeem’s absence, the event will still feature top international talent:
- Anderson Peters (Grenada) – Two-time world champion.
- Thomas Röhler (Germany) – 2016 Olympic gold medallist.
