EXCLUSIVE | ‘No rivalry between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem’

NEW DELHI: Both Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem had foul throws in their opening attempts during the final. However, when Nadeem returned for his second throw, no one anticipated the record-breaking performance that would secure him the gold medal. Nadeem unleashed a spectacular 92.97 meters on his second attempt, setting a new Olympic record that left the Stade de France in awe.
Following his remarkable throw, Nadeem celebrated by raising both hands, looking skyward, and showing a touch of emotion, fully aware of the significance of his achievement for his country.
In his second attempt, Neeraj Chopra delivered a superb 89.45 meters, his best of the season, but it was not enough to clinch the gold.
Nadeem’s victory marked Pakistan’s first gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where the country won the top prize in hockey. He is also the first track and field athlete from Pakistan to win an Olympic medal.
The previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters was held by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway, set at the 2008 Beijing Games. Thorkildsen, along with Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic—who holds the world record of 98.48 meters—was present in the stands watching the event.

“I am really happy. We are still celebrating. I didn’t expect this much happiness would come to us. I am really thankful to the Almighty for all this. It is all because of Arshad and his hard work. His hard work has finally paid off. People in Pakistan are so, so proud of Arshad,” Nadeem’s mother Raziah Parveen told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview from Punjab (in Pakistan).
“No one can be as happy as a mother is. He has brought joy to all of Pakistan. I knew he would win gold,” an elated Raziah said.
‘NO RIVALRY, NADEEM-NEERAJ ARE FRIENDS’
Fans went wild when Neeraj was unable to defend his men’s javelin throw title against Nadeem. The gold and silver medals were also seen as a reflection of the India-Pakistan rivalry.
“They are not just friends but like brothers to each other. There’s no rivalry between them—just a strong friendship. I also wish Neeraj continued success; he’s like a son to us, and I hope he wins many medals. In sports, winning and losing are part of the game, but their bond is like that of brothers,” she said.

PTI Photo
‘EMOTIONAL NADEEM AND HIS ‘GOLD’ PROMISE’
After winning the gold, Nadeem rushed to his room and made his first call to his mother.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Nadeem barely had a chance to speak before his mother, Raziah, said, “Arshad, Pakistan is proud of you.”
“He went directly to his room and immediately called me after winning the gold. He was in tears. He said, ‘Maa, maine gold jeet liya.’ I was in tears too. He said, ‘Maa, teri duaon ne kamaal kar diya.’ I am so proud of my son. The feeling is yet to sink in. He has promised me that he will win gold in Los Angeles too,” she said.
“He wanted to win the gold and make Pakistan proud. I am really happy that he was able to chase his dreams and fulfill them,” the mother said.