Panipat (Haryana): The whole nation was expecting a gold from Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin throw in the Paris 2024 Olympics but Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem came up with a stunning performance in the final to overtake all others by a significant margin. After the match, Neeraj’s mother won hearts with her praise for the gold medalist.
Neeraj finished in second place with a throw of 89.95 metres while Nadeem set an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97. There were celebrations in Neeraj’s village Khandra after his silver triumph. The villagers watched the final on a big LED screen to support the athlete. They were a little bit disappointed with Neera missing out on gold but the joy of winning a silver was much more than that.
Neeraj has been consistent in Olympics winning medals in two consecutive editions,. In Tokyo 2020, he won a gold medal and now followed it with a silver medal. Also, he became only the fourth Indian player to win two Olympic medals.
Neeraj’s father Satish Chopra said that he is very happy and a podium finish is more important than the colour of the medal. He also added that living in a joint family has played a major role in Neeraj’s success.
The 26-year-old’s mother Saroj Devi she is happy for both Neeraj and Arshad for their achievement. She also said that for her silver is equal to gold and also added that Arshad Nadeem is also like her own son. She also expressed joy on her son’s success and said that she will cook his favourite food.
Saroj’s praise for the Pakistani javelist thrower won hearts of the many netizens and they reacted on the social media.
Neeraj Chopra's mother says “ I am happy with the silver, the guy who got gold ( Arshad Nadeem) is also my child, everyone goes there after doing a lot of hard work”
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) August 8, 2024
what grace from Neeraj Chopra's mother, something that people can learn a lot from ♥️
Most beautiful video on… pic.twitter.com/Uqz3LQZCv7
Neeraj Chopra's mother said, " we are happy with the silver. the one who got the gold (arshad nadeem) is also my child."
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) August 8, 2024
thank you, mother, for the beautiful message. 🇮🇳🇵🇰👏 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/4t5q025rrH
This is the most heartwarming moment on the internet today.
— زماں (@Delhiite_) August 8, 2024
Neeraj Chopra's mother shows true grace, saying, " i'm happy with the silver. happy for gold medalist (arshad nadeem), everyone works hard to get there."
a lesson in humility and love. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/WIagidAiGt