'It was not a big deal': Arshad Nadeem on viral javelin throw video involving Neeraj Chopra

Arshad Nadeem — who competed in the final of the men's javelin throw event at the Tokyo Olympics — reacted to the ongoing controversy regarding Neeraj Chopra’s javelin.

Speaking to Geo News, the Pakistani Olympian said that Neeraj Chopra taking the javelin from him was not a big deal.

Earlier, a video circulated on social media in which Neeraj Chopra can be seen taking his javelin from Arshad Nadeem before the final competition.

While Nadeem confirmed that Chopra had taken the javelin from him during the final he added that such things are common during competitions.

"It is possible that during practice this was Neeraj's favourite javelin which is why he took it from me. These things are pretty common during competition," Arshad said.

In an interview with an Indian publication, javelin throw winner Chopra said that during the competition he was not able to find his javelin before his first throw.

He said that he was searching for his javelin when he saw Nadeem holding it. Chopra then rushed back to Nadeem and asked for his javelin for the throw.

As this video went viral, netizens started speculating the intentions of Pakistani athlete's. However, Chopra was quick to clear any misunderstanding.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, the athlete urged people to avoid promoting "vested interests and propaganda."

He had tweeted, “I would request everyone to please not use me and my comments as a medium to further your vested interests and propaganda.”

Chopra had further added, “Sports teaches us to be together and united. I am extremely disappointed to see some of the reactions from the public on my recent comments.”

On August 8, Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem missed out on a medal in the Tokyo Olympics' javelin throw final, however, the player won the nation over with the spirit and determination he displayed throughout the contest.

More about Arshad

Arshad is Pakistan’s national javelin throw champion, undefeated since 2015. However, he has broken his national records seven times during the last six years.

Nadeem had finished fifth during the javelin throw in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, with India's Neeraj Chopra taking home the gold medal.

He made history at the global event by becoming the first-ever Pakistani athlete to qualify for the final of any track and field event in the Olympics.

Nadeem's ranking soared to fourth on the points table at one point in the competition but he was soon surpassed by rival athletes.

During the final round, Nadeem made 82.91m on his opening attempt and threw 81.98m on the second. But his final throw was declared a foul to land him in the fifth position.