Pakistan, May 17 -- Indian Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has addressed growing public interest and speculation about his relationship with Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Diamond League in Doha, Chopra clarified that while the two athletes shared mutual respect, they were never "very close friends" and recent political tensions between India and Pakistan had strained their bond.

Chopra acknowledged their past interactions were often praised as symbols of cross-border sportsmanship. The duo was seen as a rare example of camaraderie between athletes from rival nations, particularly during international events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. However, Chopra now says that t...