Bajrang Punia backs Neeraj Chopra's comment on propaganda against Arshad Nadeem
New Delhi: Wrestler Bajrang Punia, Bronze medallist in Tokyo Olympics, came in support of star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra's statement on staying clear of agenda by propagandists on Pakistani Olympian Arshad Nadeem.
Bajrang Punia said, "An issue is being made over Neeraj Chopra (regarding Arshad Nadeem). Athletes are athletes regardless of their nationality. We're opponents on ground but brothers outside it. Sports don't teach us to harbour malice. It teaches us to unite and not be divided".
Neeraj Chopra said he was pained by the controversy surrounding his comments on Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem and called the entire furore "propaganda aimed at pushing a dirty agenda".
Based on a statement by Neeraj Chopra, propagandists claimed that Pakistani javelin thrower was tampering with Neeraj Chopra's javelin before the latter's throw at the final event at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 23-year-old, who won India’s maiden Olympic medal in athletics, asked people not to use his name to rake up any controversy or further ‘vested interests and propaganda’.
Neeraj Chopra had clinched the historic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 87.58. Arshad Nadeem had finished 5th in the men's event.
