Arshad Nadeem’s victory marked a historic milestone for Pakistan, making him the first athlete from the country to win an Olympic medal in athletics. His achievement has garnered applause from across Pakistan and beyond.
In a touching moment that transcended borders and sports rivalry, Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, earned admiration from fans in both India and Pakistan with her 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.
Also Read: Arshad Nadeem Ends Pakistan’s 40-Year Wait for Olympic Gold in Javelin
“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 exist between athletes, despite the intense rivalry between 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. His 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.
