World Champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra said that he would love to invite all his competitors, including Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, for lunch at home in India. After winning historic gold for India in the World Athletics Championships, Chopra competed in the Zurich leg of the Diamond League, where he stood second, and qualified for the final leg.
After his Zurich expedition, the Haryana-born said that he would love to have Arshad and all his competitors over lunch at home in Khandra. In an interview, the 2020 Olympic champion said, “Yes of course. Why only Arshad, all are welcome. In our culture, it is normal to feed anyone who comes home.”
Chopra also said that he wishes to have a friendly competition in India, where athletes from other nations would come to participate. He added, “I hope we have a friendly competition in India where people from outside can come & compete.”
During the World Championships, both Indian and Pakistan athletes were seen sharing a good bond. While Nadeem had wished his Indian counterpart good luck, Chopra was seen inviting him for group photos after the Pakistani stood second in the competition. The 25-year-old's gesture grabbed eyeballs and the Indian was lauded for the same.