Arshad Nadeem breaks silence on Neeraj Chopra's 'not close friends' remark: 'I will always stand with our army'
Pakistan's javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, refused to comment on Neeraj Chopra's recent remarks about their friendship. The 28-year-old brought up the recent cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan in the conversation when he was asked to address Neeraj Chopra's recent comments ahead of the Doha Diamond League.
Ahead of the Doha Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra had recently remarked that he never shared a close friendship with Arshad Nadeem. He also said that their dynamic is likely to change following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists.
"I want to clarify that I don't have a particularly strong relationship with Nadeem - we were never really close friends. But because of the current situation, things will not be as they were. That said, if someone speaks to me with respect, I always respond in kind," Neeraj told reporters on the eve of the Doha Diamond League.
Arshad Nadeem was asked about this particular Neeraj Chopra comment on Thursday ahead of his departure for the Asian Athletics Championships.
Responding to this query, Arshad told reporters, "I don't want to make any comments about Neeraj because of the ongoing conflict with India. I come from a village, and I will only say that my family and I will always stand with our army."
Earlier, Neeraj Chopra, who recently threw 90m for the first time in his career, faced backlash from fans on social media after he invited Arshad Nadeem to the now-postponed inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic.
The World Athletics-approved event was originally scheduled to be played in Bengaluru. Neeraj had extended invitations to international javelin throwers, including Arshad.
However, it must be mentioned that the invitations were sent prior to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The tensions between both countries then escalated at the border. However, a ceasefire was eventually declared.
Neeraj and Arshad have been having intense battles since the 2018 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. At the Paris Olympics, where Neeraj Chopra was the hot favourite to win the gold medal, Arshad Nadeem stubbed the world with a throw of 92.97 metres.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Best pickleball paddles for low-impact exercises: Get fit without joint pain with our top 8 picks
Pickleball isn't just a trending sport. It is becoming a favourite low-impact workout for fitness lovers. It combines the elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong to offer a full-body cardio session without putting stress on your joints. Moreover, it offers a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, agility and coordination. Using the right pickleball paddle set can enhance your performance, comfort and motivation on the court. A well-designed set can also improve grip, swing, accuracy and overall experience. If you are planning to add a pair of pickleball paddles to your fitness routine, this article is just for you. We have handpicked some of the best pickleball rackets that support your health and fitness journey. Pickleball can help improve heart health with an increase in heart rate and longer-lasting heartbeats because of the increased cardiovascular activity (A study published in the Taylor & Francis Online: Peer-reviewed journals). Here are some of the best pickle paddle sets that you can try: Level up your fitness game with Vinsguir's ultra-light pickleball paddles featuring a polypropylene honeycomb core and artistic design. Ideal for beginners and elders alike, it reduces wrist strain while improving swing control. The cushion grip of these pickleball rackets offers comfort during long matches. Approved by USA Pickleball, this complete set includes 2 paddles, 4 balls and a carry bag. Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle - 2 Premium Graphite Rackets Honeycomb Composite Core with Cushion Comfort Grip & 4 Balls & Portable Racquet Bag (Hand Drawn Doodles + 3 Outdoor Balls +1 Indoor Ball+ Bag) Train smarter and play longer with this lightweight, beginner-friendly pickleball paddle set. Built with a fiberglass face and honeycomb core, these pickleball paddles ensure durability, control, and reduced fatigue on the wrist and elbow. The anti-slip grip boosts comfort, letting you focus on power and precision. Perfect for all skill levels, the set includes 2 USAPA-approved paddles, 4 outdoor balls, and a handy carrying case. USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 Fiberglass Pickleball Rackets with 1 Carrying Case, 4 Outdoor Pickleballs Designed to enhance performance and joint comfort, this USAPA-approved pickleball paddle set features 2 fiberglass paddles with honeycomb polymer cores for balance and pop. A ventilated anti-slip grip ensures fatigue-free play, while edge guards prevent paddle damage. The complete set includes 2 indoor and 2 outdoor balls, a carry bag, and vibrant paddle colours, which makes it a fun, health-boosting gift for families and fitness-focused friends. ALSO READ: Cross trainer for home: Top 8 picks for weight loss and cardio fitness Pickleball Paddles Set of 2, USAPA Approved Pickleball Set, Fiberglass Lightweight Rackets 2 Pack, 2 Outdoor, 2 Indoor Pickleball Balls, 1 Bag for Women Men, (Orange 1Pc) Get the whole crew moving with this 4-paddle USAPA-approved pickleball set. Lightweight and vibration-reducing, the fiberglass pickleball paddles are designed with a polymer honeycomb core for power, control, and wrist-friendly play. The anti-slip grip keeps hands steady during intense rallies. It includes 6 balls (3 indoor, 3 outdoor), 4 overgrips, and a carry bag, which makes this set perfect for promoting fitness and friendly competition at family events or group workouts. Pickleball Paddles Set of 4 – 2025 USAPA Approved Pickle Ball Rackets, Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle Set with 3 Outdoor & 3 Indoor Pickle Ball Balls, 4 Overgrips & Carry Bag Meet your go-to pickleball paddle for fitness and finesse. Approved by USA Pickleball in 2023, this fiberglass set includes two lightweight paddles and two balls, which are ideal for joint-friendly movement and control. The textured face and honeycomb core of these pickleball paddles for beginners offer better precision and reduced vibration. Moreover, it comes with a sleek carry bag for easy transport to your next game or workout. VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddle Set, USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Set of 2, 2 Paddles & 2 Pickleballs, Lightweight Carrying Bag, Pickle Ball Paddle Gifts for Beginners & Pros, Aurora Blue Enjoy low-impact cardio and full-body coordination with Lifelong's durable fiberglass paddles. Engineered for performance and comfort, this best pickleball paddle for intermediate players features cushioned comfort grips to reduce wrist fatigue and maintain control during long sessions. Ideal for all ages, it can help you stay active and agile in a fun, engaging way. ALSO READ: Foldable treadmill for home: Strengthen your joints and muscles with these 8 picks Lifelong Pickleball Paddle Set| Fiberglass Surface| 16 mm Thickness| 4 Pickle Ball Balls| Paddle Cover Bag| Cushion Comfort Handle Grip| Durable Pickleball Paddle|Outdoor Game Kit for Kids & Adults Step up your active lifestyle with JOJOLEMON's balanced glassfibre pickleball paddles, which are designed for consistency and joint safety. The ergonomic grip and large sweet spot allow for smoother wrist movement and cleaner shots. This fitness-forward set includes 2 paddles, 3 outdoor balls, 2 cooling towels, and a case, which are perfect for tournament play or regular court sessions. Durable and lightweight, it may be a great investment in your health and game. JOJOLEMON Pickleball Paddle Set – 2 Premium Glassfibre Rackets with Honeycomb Composite Core, Cushion Comfort Grip, and Accessories | Includes 3 Outdoor Balls, 2 Cooling Towels and 1 Case (Blue) Built for serious fitness and control, this 16mm fiberglass pickleball paddle set combines a dense 8mm honeycomb core with a moisture-wicking grip to minimise vibration and fatigue. This AIPA-approved and USAPA-standard pickleball paddle is ideal for competitive play. Designed with a larger sweet spot, this best pickleball paddle for advanced players may enhance accuracy and power, which makes it a great tool for cardio, agility training, and long rallies. YAIT Sports Proflx Pickleball Paddle | 16 mm Fiberglass Surface | Highly Dense 8 mm PP Honeycomb Core | Highly Durable Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle | AIPA Approved Racket of USAPA Standards Pickleball paddles Core & surface material Weight & grip USAPA/AIPA approval 1. Weight: Before choosing the best pickleball paddle set, make sure to consider the weight. Lighter paddles are easier to move and are ideal for beginners. On the other hand, heavier paddles provide more power to advanced players. 2. Core material: Pay attention to the core material of the paddles. Polymer cores provide more control, while Nomex and aluminum cores give more durability and power. 3. Player level: If you are a new pickleball player, opt for lightweight paddles with larger sweet spots. Heavier ones are good for intermediate and advanced players. 4. Paddle surface: When picking up the best pickleball paddles, it is essential to check the surface. Fiberglass is good for control and graphite is lightweight. 5. Grip: Opt for a grip size that fits comfortably in your hand. This ensures better control and prevents hand fatigue. Yes, pickleball is good for fitness as it combines cardio, agility and coordination in a fun way. This game can improve cardiovascular health, balance and flexibility along with burning calories and building muscle endurance. With its low-impact nature, it helps reduce the risk of injury in comparison to high-impact sports. Playing regularly can enhance mental well-being and sharpen reflexes. Whey protein under ₹1000: 7 budget-friendly picks for muscle gain Best treadmill brands for fitness in 2025: 10 options to stay active and fit without leaving home 10 kg dumbbell set: Top-rated picks of 2025 to support your strength training Composite paddles offer a more balance of power and control. On the other hand, graphite paddles are lightweight and responsive. Wood paddles are heavier and budget-friendly. Beginners should begin with mid-weight paddles i.e., 7.3-8.4 oz for better control and comfort without straining the arm during extended play. Yes, wider paddles offer better control. Elongated ones provide extended reach and power, which helps different play styles. With regular use, a quality paddle typically lasts 1-2 years. Durability of the paddle depends on material, frequency of use and storage conditions. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Paris Diamond League 2025: Here's when Neeraj Chopra will be in action?
Reigning javelin world champion Neeraj Chopra is confirmed to participate in the Paris leg of the Diamond League 2025, scheduled for June 20 at Stade Sebastien-Charlety, according to This will be Chopra's second appearance in this year's Diamond League series, following his season debut in Doha. The Paris event marks Neeraj's return to this venue after eight years, his last appearance being in 2017, where he secured a fifth-place finish with a throw of 84.67m. On that occasion, Germany's Johannes Vetter claimed the top spot with a throw of 88.74m. Although Neeraj was expected to compete in the 2024 edition, he opted to skip it to focus on preparing for the Paris Olympics. Earlier this season, Chopra delivered a record-breaking performance at the Doha Diamond League in May, setting a new Indian national record with a massive throw of 90.23m, surpassing his previous best of 89.94m from the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League. Despite the new milestone, he placed second behind Germany's Julian Weber, who led with 91.06m. Neeraj's most recent competition was the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial meet in Chorzow, Poland, on May 23. Battling adverse weather conditions, he managed a best throw of 84.14m on his final attempt to finish second, once again behind Julian Weber, who won with 86.12m. The Olympic gold medallist began his 2025 season in April with a strong showing at the Potch Invitational Meet in Potchefstroom, South Africa, where he took first place with a throw of 84.52m. Neeraj is also expected to compete at the Golden Spike athletics meet in Czechia on June 24, followed by his participation in the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, set for July 5. Athletes who accumulate the highest points throughout the Diamond League series will earn a spot in the Diamond League 2025 Final, to be held in Zurich from August 27 to 28.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
India Dominates Taiwan Athletics Open 2025 With Six Gold Medals
Last Updated: India dominated the 2025 Taiwan Athletics Open, winning six golds. Jyothi Yarraji, Tejas Shirse, and Abdulla Aboobacker secured golds. Jyothi Yarraji, Tejas Ashok Shirse, and Abdulla Aboobacker won the gold as India dominated the track in the 2025 Taiwan Athletics Open, finishing with six gold medals in the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet held in Taipei on Saturday. Pooja in women's 1500m and the quartet of Sudheeksha Vadluri, Sneha Sathyanarayana Shanuvalli, Abinaya Rajarajan, and Nithya Gandhe in the women's 4x100m relay picked the other two gold medals for India in the event. The Indian quartet of Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar, and Amlan Borgohain added to the gold rush by winning the men's 4x100m relay race. Jyothi, who recently broke the national record in the women's 100m hurdles of 12.96 at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, last month, went under 13 seconds once again. She surged to victory in a field of eight with a time of 12.99 seconds. Jyothi got off to a good start, took an early lead, and won the race with a strong finish. Asuka Terada of Japan took silver in 13.04 seconds while her compatriot Chisato Kiyoyama won the bronze medal in 12.10 seconds. Jyothi, who had earlier qualified for the final by winning Heat 1 in 13.18 seconds. In the men's 110m hurdles, Tejast Shirse came first in 13.52 seconds to claim the gold medal, winning with a tailwind of +1.5 as compared to 1.067 m/s. Yuan Kai Hsieh of Taiwan finished second in 13.72 seconds. In the men's triple jump, Aboobacker came first with a leap of 16.21m, which he achieved in the third turn. He started with 15.80m and then 15.97m in the second. She fouled the fourth jump before closing it out with 15.33 and 15.81m in his fifth and sixth. Li Yun-Chen of Taiwan and Zhou Zheng Jia finished third. Pooja set a competition record (CR) of 4:11.63 to win the women's 1500 metres, bettering the old record of 4:15.81. Jon Su Gyong of PR Korea finished second in 4:28.03 while Hiu Tung Tsang of Hong Kong came third in 4:34.92. The Indian women's 4x100m relay team of Sudheeksha Vadluri, Sneha Sathyanarayana Shanuvalli, Abinaya Rajarajan, and Nithya Gandhe set a competition record (CR) of 44.07, improving on the old record of 44.50 seconds. The men's 3x100m relay team bagged the sixth gold for India, finishing the race in 38.75 seconds. (With IANS Inputs) First Published:
