"Great show of sportsmanship on the biggest stage. Incredible!"
The 2024 Olympics may have concluded but it is still producing viral moments and one of those is Neeraj Chopra’s mother.
India’s Chopra won silver in the men’s javelin while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem took home the gold, breaking the Olympic record in the process.
Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi has now captured the hearts of fans with her kind words about Nadeem.
Saroj Devi expressed immense pride towards Nadeem, saying:
“We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child.”
Her comments have been widely praised by Indian and Pakistani fans, presenting a powerful reminder of the dedication and perseverance that define Olympic athletes.
One wrote: “Great show of sportsmanship on the biggest stage. Incredible!”
Another said: “Salute mother Saroj Devi for her noble thoughts. Let her inspire me and others to think alike.”
A third added: “This is the most heartwarming moment on the internet today.
“Neeraj Chopra’s mother shows true grace, saying, ‘I’m happy with the silver. Happy for gold medallist (Arshad Nadeem), everyone works hard to get there’.
“A lesson in humility and love.”
Neeraj Chopra’s mother: “We’re very happy with the silver. The one who won the gold is also our boy”
Neeraj and Arshad share an incredible bond. This is how a rivalry should be – healthy and competitive devoid of any jingoist toxicity. pic.twitter.com/syFmrJgLjh
— Saif (@isaifpatel) August 8, 2024
Arshad Nadeem made history by winning Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics.
Nadeem’s stunning throw of 92.97 metres in his second attempt not only shattered the Olympic record but also placed him sixth on the all-time list of javelin throws.
He 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.
Arshad Nadeem’s victory was sealed partly due to Neeraj Chopra’s struggles in the final.
He managed one legitimate throw, with 89.45 metres securing him silver.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters, with a throw of 88.54 metres, 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 symbolised 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.
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