'I always stand with Pakistan Army': Arshad Nadeem on Neeraj Chopra's comments

Pakistan's star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has chosen not to respond to Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra's recent comments about their relationship, saying that the current tense situation between Pakistan and India is not the right time to talk.

When asked about Chopra's statement while speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nadeem said, "I don't want to talk about it because of the situation between Pakistan and India. I always stand with the Pakistan Army."

Chopra, in a recent interview, had said that while the two have always shown mutual respect, they were never close friends, adding that their equation is not the same anymore. "We were never really close friends or anything," Chopra stated. "But because of this [recent issue], it will not be like before."

Despite not commenting further, Nadeem praised Chopra's performance, congratulating him for crossing the 90-metre mark for the first time in his career at the Diamond League in Doha, where Chopra won a silver medal.

The Pakistani javelin ace is now focused on the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship, which will be held in Korea from May 27 to 31. 

"I will try my best to perform well at the event," he said. "My goal is to throw 100 meters. I'm working hard, and by the will of Allah, I'll achieve it one day."

After the Asian Championship, Nadeem shared that he plans to travel to England after Eid-ul-Adha to begin preparations for the World Athletics Championship. He will be training there alongside his coach Salman Butt.

At age 28, Nadeem continues to carry Pakistan's hopes on the international stage and is working tirelessly to reach new milestones in his career.