In a moment that transcended borders and rivalry, Neeraj Chopra's mother, Saroj Devi, captured the hearts of fans across the border with her touching remarks about Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who defeated her son to win the Gold medal in the Olympic men's javelin final. Despite Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion from India, securing a silver medal, his mother expressed immense pride and warmth towards Arshad Nadeem, the gold medallist from Pakistan.
"We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child," Saroj Devi said, her words resonating with a sense of sportsmanship and shared humanity that often transcends the fierce competition on the field.
Neeraj's mother's remarks have been widely praised by Indian and Pakistani fans for their warmth and sportsmanship, offering a powerful reminder of the dedication and perseverance that define Olympic athletes. Notably, Nadeem scripted history on Thursday by clinching Pakistan's first Olympic medal in athletics, winning gold in the men's javelin event. Nadeem's stunning throw of 92.97 meters in his second attempt not only shattered the Olympic record but also placed him sixth on the all-time list of javelin throws.
The 27-year-old athlete celebrated his achievement with visible emotion, raising his arms in triumph after his record-breaking throw. Nadeem's journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and determination, overcoming the challenges of being a non-cricket athlete in Pakistan, where resources and facilities for sports other than cricket are often limited.
Nadeem's victory was sealed when Neeraj Chopra, the overwhelming favorite and strongest performer in the qualifying rounds, struggled during the final. Chopra's best throw of 89.45 meters secured him the silver medal, but his other five attempts were fouled. Grenada's Anderson Peters, with a throw of 88.54 meters, claimed the bronze medal, marking a significant comeback after failing to reach the final at the Tokyo Games.
Nadeem knelt and kissed the ground following Chopra's final, unsuccessful attempt. The gesture symbolized the deep respect and camaraderie between the two athletes, despite the rivalry on the field. Neeraj Chopra, who rose to fame after winning Olympic gold in Tokyo, has had a profound impact on the popularity of athletics in India. With over nine million followers on Instagram, Chopra has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for many aspiring athletes. His influence extends beyond his performances, as noted by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who acknowledged Chopra's role in elevating the profile of the sport in India.
As the dust settles on the Olympic javelin final, the words of Neeraj Chopra's mother serve as a reminder of the shared bonds and mutual respect that exist between athletes, regardless of the outcomes. In a world often divided by borders and rivalries, her gesture of embracing Arshad Nadeem as "also our child" resonates as a powerful message of unity and sportsmanship.
Source: India Today