In an often divided world, sports has the unique power of unifying all, and it’s the universal language that transcends borders, religions, cultures, and backgrounds. The men who took gold and silver for Pakistan and India are redefining the India vs. Pakistan rivalry. India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem—Both of these athletes have brought immense pride for their countries by securing Olympic medals.
Who is Arshad Nadeem?
Arshad was born into a Punjabi family in Main Chunno, Punjab, in 1997. He is the third oldest of eight siblings. Arshad was quit an athlete from his early school years. He dabbled in all the sports on offer in his school: cricket,badminton, football, and athletics. Upon entering grade 7 in school, because of his build and talent, Arshad caught the eye of officials during an athletic competition. Since then, there has been no looking back.
Arshad Nadim’s journey has been difficult because of a lack of institutional support. When he took up javelin, Arshad reportedly didn’t have much money. According to his father, Mohamed Ashraf, who is a mason and was a single-earning member, not much financial support was there. Childhood was hand-to-mouth existence, managing to survive. Initially, he used bamboo shaved to shape like a javelin. According to his father, villagers used to contribute money so that he could train. He trained really hard and became national champion in 2015 under the guidance of his coach and mentor, Rashid Ahmed Saki. He has brought the Pakistan Olympic medal after 4 decades and has raised Pakistan’s flag at the international level.
Who is Neeraj Chopra?
Now this brings us to know the other champion, Neeraj Chopra, the golden boy of India. He is a champion, no doubt, because one of the most important traits of a champion is consistency. His consistent throws that he’s made over and above the 87M mark that he has registered in his career so far, and with time he is getting better. He has won two Olympic gold medals for India so far.
Friendship of Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra
Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj chopra went head to head in 2016 at south Asian games where Arshad clinched bronze and Neeraj gold.
From then on they’ve crossed many paths and ofcourse a relationship formed,there was friendship off the field also. Their friendship has inspired a million memes .
Coming from a humble backgrounds both these athletes have fought various hardships to reach great heights in their career and achieved stupendous success in their lives.
When millions across two nations were glued to their television sets to watch men’s javelin throw final. Two great rivals sinking into each others arms, moment after Arshad Nadeem created history by winning a historic gold medal was a sight to watch. Now they might belong to the different countries that are often at loggerheads politically and otherwise but both these athletes were united by the bond of competitive spirit and mutual respect .
The comraderies was quite obvious but clearly this was more then just professional respect with their career running parallel to each other Neeraj chopra and Arshad Nadeem have managed to transcend boundaries and strike up a friendship .
Over the years both have always been in praise of each other. Infact five months before becoming an Olympian gold medalist Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem was struggling for a new javelin in march 2024 and it was Neeraj chopra the silver medalist at Paris 2024 who had come out in support of his south Asian counterpart and made a heartfelt plea for him. Infact, Arshad revealed how he had been using the same javelin for 7 to 8 years, a situation far from idol for any athlete competing at the highest level. In his support Neeraj chopra said that it’s hard to believe that he has been struggling to get a new javelin given his credentials that should not be an issue . He further went on to emphasis that an athlete of Arshad’s calibre deserves the best equipment and support both from his national federation and potential sponsors. well Arshad has never forgotten that gesture as he had said in of his message to Neeraj chopra was that our friendship continues to flourish and people remember us with great words .
South Asian rivals
What an engaging rivalry this is turning out to be, on one hand is a Pakistani athlete who has fought hard all his life with almost nothing to emerge victorious. Infact the moment Nadeem registered that humongous Olympic record breaking throw of 92.97m we could see emotions dawning on him that he could be the first Olympic gold winner of Pakistan,yet he keeps a check on his tears and carries on because for him it was not over yet, that’s humility and on the other hand is Neeraj chopra who is growing into being not just unbeatable athlete in his field, but an ambassador of sport, one who voices what he feels and stand for what he believes in.
This bond between the two makes this rivalry so exciting and one to look forward too
The record breaking throw!
Arshad Nadeem’s fantastic throw in his second attempt set the standard too high for the rest of the competitors including Neeraj chopra who despite all the pressure managed only one valid throw earning him silver medal. Interestingly before this event, Neeraj chopra has never lost to Arshad in their 10 previous encounters but then Arshad’s unbelievable throw was too good to beat. However ,elated over her son’s silver medal Neeraj chopra’s mother saroja davi has also expressed her happiness for Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and said she’s proud of Neeraj and her other son , Arshad Nadeem . And very same words are said by Arshad Nadeem mother too that she prays for them both. That’s where Neeraj and Arshad both gets their sense of composure and champion like demeanor.
Whereas speaking to media after the finals Neeraj congratulated Arshad Nadeem and admitted that it was his first ever defeat to the Pakistani athlete in a javelin competition in last 8 years but gave full credit to Arshad that he has worked hard and was better then him on competition . No doubt Neeraj chopra has carved a piece of history with India’s first silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
In a nutshell
Their friendship and camaraderie is another example of how sports plays such a critical role in bringing warring parties together and one is able to rise above their own differences and embrace each other.
Add Your Heading Text Here
92.97 meters
6 foot 3 inch
Arshad Nadeem’s 92.97-meter made the olympic record for javelin throw
Mian chunno, Punjab Pakistan
10 million rupees and brand new car by Punjab government
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