'Neeraj brother, you don't need to prove your patriotism': Yogeshwar Dutt comes out in support of Chopra

Former Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, has extended his support to Neeraj Chopra amid the criticism of the ace athlete for inviting Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to a javelin throw event in India .

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj came under fire on social media after the Pahalgam terror attack, as he had invited reigning Olympic champion Nadeem to the Neeraj Classic javelin throw event on 24 May in Bengaluru.

Neeraj, however, had sent the invitation before the terror attack. In his statement, hitting back at the trolls for abusing him and his family , the 27-year-old gold medallist from the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj, clarified that after the Pahalgam attack, there was no way Nadeem could have taken part in the NC Classic event.

Yogeshwar Dutt speaks out in Neeraj Chopra’s support

Standing tall in Neeraj’s support, former Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt said on the social media platform X that the Paris Olympics silver medallist doesn’t need to prove his patriotism. He added that Neeraj is the pride of India.

“Neeraj brother, you neither need to prove your patriotism nor validate yourself,” Dutt wrote. “An athlete and a soldier are the ones who, on foreign soil, hoist the tricolor flag high and bring glory to their homeland. And you are both an athlete and a soldier.

“These people spewing nonsense are those petty-minded individuals who have no concern for the nation or patriotism. You are a champion, the pride of the nation, keep moving forward like this. A champion is always the best.

“Jai Hind @Neeraj_chopra1.”

In his statement, Neeraj has said that he was “hurt” to see his integrity being questioned but he will continue to keep making India proud.

“I have carried my country with pride for so many years now, and so it hurts to see my integrity being questioned. It pains me that I have to explain myself to people who are targeting me and my family, with no good reason. We are simple people, please don’t make us out to be anything else. There are so many false narratives that certain sections of the media have created around me, but just because I do not speak up, it doesn’t make it true,” Neeraj wrote.

“I, meanwhile, will work even harder to ensure that the world remembers India and looks at it with envy and respect for all the right reasons.”