India and Pakistan’s rivalry extends past cricket as Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem will battle for javelin gold at the Tokyo World Championships. The two are set to clash in the tournament, marking the latest chapter in their rivalry.
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem’s Relationship
Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His successful endeavour was followed by Nadeem, who won the gold medal for Pakistan at the Paris Olympics in 2024 with a record throw of 92.97m. This time, Neeraj Chopra had to settle for a silver medal, establishing a brotherly rivalry built on mutual respect.
‘Neeraj Chopra Classic’ Invitation
The two Olympic gold medalists maintained a professional relationship despite the political tensions existing between the countries. The duo built a relationship upon mutual respect, with their own mothers comparing them to brothers.
However, the relationship was strained following a deadly four-day military conflict in May, the worst between the countries since 1999. High-profile figures from both countries were under pressure to distance themselves from the other side, at least publicly.
In April, Neeraj Chopra invited Nadeem to India for his ‘Neeraj Chopra Classic’ javelin event, but the Pakistani declined, saying it clashed with his training schedule. Chopra then withdrew the invitation after an attack in Pahalgam on April 22 killed 26 people.
“I want to clarify that I don’t have a particularly strong relationship with Nadeem, we were never really close friends, Chopra said afterwards. “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 Chopra’s Form
Neeraj Chopra established his name as a national hero by bringing home the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He even won the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, becoming the first-ever Indian world champion.
He has been in fine form since joining Czech javelin great Jan Zelezny’s coaching group ahead of the 2025 season. He broke the 90m barrier for the first time in his career when he threw 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League in May. Despite his career-best throw, he still finished second to German Julian Weber. Julian Weber bested him once again at the Zurich Diamond League last month.
Also read: Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Jagadeesan Named Captain as Tamil Nadu Announces Squad
When will Neeraj Chopra Face-Off Against Arshad Nadeem at the Tokyo World Championships?
The Tokyo World Championships will be the 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships. It is scheduled to be held from 13 to 21 September 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. The Men’s javelin qualification will be held on 17 September and the final on 18 September. This will mark the first time Neeraj Chopra clashes with Arshad Nadeem since their last encounter at the Paris Olympics.
Conclusion
As the 2025 World Athletics Championships unfold, all eyes will be on Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, two athletes who have redefined javelin throwing for their nations.
It will be an interesting watch as they clash for the first time since the political tensions escalated. Tokyo 2025 isn’t just hosting a javelin final; it’s hosting an India-Pakistan classic the world won’t forget.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
