Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, has seen his Instagram account blocked in India following a “legal request,” according to a notification displayed to users within the country. Those trying to access his profile encounter a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” Instagram elaborated on this decision, stating that the restriction was based on a review in line with its policies and an assessment of local laws, which concluded that the content violated Indian legal standards. This move follows the April 22 terror attack near Pahalgam in South Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, most of whom were tourists. In response, Indian authorities have been taking steps to control the access to and influence of Pakistani social media accounts in India.

The Indian government has intensified its efforts to restrict Pakistani social media content in the wake of the attack, including actions against influential figures in entertainment and sports with substantial followings in India. Previously, several Pakistani YouTube channels were restricted due to allegations that they spread inflammatory, misleading, and false content targeting India and its military forces. High-profile figures like former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Basit Ali, and Shahid Afridi were also affected, with their YouTube channels blocked for Indian viewers. However, unlike Nadeem’s Instagram account, their Instagram accounts remain accessible in India. Other well-known Pakistani celebrities, such as actors Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, have also experienced restrictions on their Instagram profiles in India.

Nadeem gained international fame for his remarkable victory in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he became the first Pakistani athlete to win an Olympic gold in javelin throw, achieving a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, which surpassed India’s Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal performance. In a gesture of sportsmanship, Chopra had invited Nadeem to participate in the inaugural Neeraj Chopra (NC) Classic javelin event scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru. However, Nadeem declined the invitation, citing previous commitments. The invitation to Nadeem had sparked considerable debate, especially after the terror attack in Pahalgam, and this resulted in backlash on social media.

Chopra responded to the backlash with a thoughtful statement on his social media, condemning the unwarranted hate and abuse he and his family had received for merely extending a sporting invitation. “There has been so much talk about my decision to invite Arshad Nadeem to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic, and most of it has been hate and abuse,” Chopra shared. “They haven’t even left my family out of it. The invitation I extended to Arshad was from one athlete to another — nothing more, nothing less.” He clarified that the invitations had been sent out to multiple athletes, including Nadeem, two days before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. After the tragic incident and the subsequent public sentiment, Chopra stated that Nadeem’s participation in the event was now “completely out of the question.”

While his Instagram account remains blocked in India, Arshad Nadeem continues to engage with his fans on other social media platforms, especially X (formerly known as Twitter), where he shares updates on his athletic career and training. His presence on global platforms signifies his role as an influential figure in international sports, showcasing the potential of sports to bridge divides between nations, even in the face of political tensions. However, his restricted digital presence in India highlights the complex relationship between politics, public sentiment, and sports in an era dominated by social media. Nadeem’s experience reflects the increasing challenges that athletes and public figures face in navigating the digital world, especially when their national identities and political issues intertwine with their professional achievements.