Arshad-Neeraj Controversy: Former Indian cricketer lashes out on haters for spreading wrong information

Former India batsman Muhammad Kaif has come out to support Neeraj Chopra, who had appealed to haters to stop making double meanings of his statement on Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem.

Neeraj triggered a controversy without knowing when he related a story about Arshad in the final of the javelin competition at the Olympic 2020 that he was moving around with his javelin.

A video also went viral on social media showing that Neeraj is taking back his javelin from Arshad before the final throw.

The Indian media, without knowing the result, heavily criticized Arshad. After which Neeraj cleared the doubt during his interview.

On his Twitter handle, Kaif said that it does not matter which nationality does a rival has on the field belongs.

“Thanks Neeraj Chopra for calling out those who use sports to push the agenda of hate. A rival on the field can also be a friend, his nationality doesn’t matter. One more Gold Medal for reminding the world that sports unites, it doesn’t divide,” he tweeted.

Thanks Neeraj Chopra for calling out those who use sports to push agenda of hate. A rival on field can also be a friend, his nationality doesn't matter. One more Gold Medal for reminding the world that sports unites, it doesn't divide.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 28, 2021

A day before, another Indian athlete, Bajran Punia, also backed Neeraj on this matter.

“Whether the athlete is from Pakistan or any other country, he represents his nation. He is a sportsperson first. So it’s not like we’ll say something against that person because he is from Pakistan. There should be respect for athletes,” said Punia, who won the bronze medal for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Arshad Nadeem reacts to Neeraj’s comments

Arshan and Neeraj have known each other for quite some time.

After seeing Neerij’s comments been misunderstood, Arshad also tried to clear the air.

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“Neeraj bhai ne bilkul theek Kahan hai. Ham dono bohat ache dost hain (Neeraj brother has put it rightly that we both are very good friends)” said Arshad.

“Aur aisi cheezen nahi honi chahiye (And such things shouldn’t be allowed to happen”).

Taking to the microblogging site Twitter, Neeraj said: “I would request everyone to please not use me as a medium to further your vested interest and propaganda.”

“Sports teaches us to be together and united. I’m extremely disappointed to see some of my reactions from the public on my recent comment,” he added.

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