In a moment that transcended borders and rivalries, Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, touched hearts across India and Pakistan with her heartfelt words about Arshad Nadeem, the Pakistani athlete who clinched the gold medal in the Olympic men’s javelin final. Despite Neeraj Chopra, India’s defending champion, earning the silver medal, Saroj Devi expressed deep pride and warmth towards Arshad Nadeem, who took the top spot.
“We’re happy with the silver. The one who got the gold, Arshad Nadeem, is also my child,” Saroj Devi said. Her words resonated far beyond the sporting world, reflecting a spirit of sportsmanship and shared humanity that often transcends the fierce competition on the field.
Fans from both India and Pakistan have widely praised Saroj Devi’s gracious remarks, which serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and mutual respect that define Olympic athletes. Notably, Nadeem made history by securing Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic medal in athletics, winning gold in the men’s javelin event. His incredible throw of 92.97 meters on his second attempt not only broke the Olympic record, but it also placed him sixth on the all-time list of javelin throws.
The 27-year-old athlete celebrated his historic achievement with visible emotion, raising his arms in triumph after his record-breaking throw. Nadeem’s journey to this point has been one of perseverance and determination, as he overcame the challenges of being a non-cricket athlete in Pakistan, a country where resources and facilities for sports other than cricket are often limited.
Neeraj Chopra, the overwhelming favorite and the strongest performer in the qualifying rounds, faced difficulties during the final, securing Nadeem’s victory. Chopra secured the silver medal with his best throw of 89.45 meters, but fouled his other five attempts. 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.