India, May 15 -- Neeraj Chopra spoke in detail about his rapport with Arshad Nadeem ahead of his Diamond League appearance in Doha, amid heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan. Ahead of his season-opening appearance on Friday, the reigning Olympic and World Champion addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship with Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist.

"First of all, I really wanted to (make it) clear that I didn't have a very strong relationship (with Nadeem)," Chopra said at a press conference.

"As athletes, we have to talk, and I have some good friends in the athletics community and from all around the world. Not just javelin throwers but also other events. But yeah, if someone talks to me respectfully, I als...