Arshad Nadeem’s victory was a historic milestone for Pakistan, making him the first athlete from the country to win an Olympic medal in athletics.
He has been receiving applaud from across the country.
In a moment that transcended borders and sports rivalry, Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, captured the admiration of fans across India and Pakistan with her sincere and gracious remarks following the Olympic men’s javelin final.
Despite her son, Neeraj Chopra, earning the silver medal, Saroj Devi expressed pride and warmth toward Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who claimed the gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters.
“We are happy with the silver. The one who won the gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child,” Saroj Devi stated. Her words highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists between athletes, despite the intense rivalry between both of their countries.
Arshad Nadeem’s exceptional throw not only set a new Olympic record but also ranked him sixth on the all-time list of javelin throws.
Nadeem’s journey has been one of determination and resilience, overcoming the challenges faced by non-cricket athletes in Pakistan, where resources and support are often scarce.
Neeraj Chopra, India’s defending Olympic champion, achieved his best throw of 89.45 meters to secure the silver medal. However, he faced difficulties in the final, fouling five of his six attempts.