Neeraj Chopra says that it would have been good if Arshad Nadeem had won a medal too
Neeraj Chopra might have lost count of the number of interviews he has done since winning his historic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. Arshad Nadeem from Mian Channu Pakistan who was also in the battle to have his maiden title in the Tokyo Olympics stood in the 5th spot.
Neeraj Chopra praises Arshad Nadeem
Neeraj Chopra during one of his interviews with CNN-News18 said that “Good to have Nadeem on the podium too. Asia ka naam ho jata.”
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The 23-year-old won India’s first-ever athletic gold in Olympics with a throw of 87.58m in his second attempt. He dominated the event and remained at the top of the field throughout the finale. He managed to garner attention and fans from Pakistan as well.
Before the Indo-Pak finals, javelin throws, Arshad, a year older than Neeraj, stunned the Qualification Group B with a throw of 85.16 m – a little less than Neeraj’s 86.65m in Group A but topping his group nevertheless. But despite being the hope for the maiden title Nadeem stood in 5th spot.
On this budding rivalry and competition between Pakistan and India, Neeraj said, “Cricket mei chal jata hai, 7-8 countries hoti hai, par Olympic mei ye sab karna theek nahi hai.”
(It’s okay to do the comparison in cricket where 7-8 countries are taking part but not fair in Olympics),” he said.
Also Read: Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan qualifies for final javelin throw competition in Tokyo Olympics
He also revealed that they parted their Olympics journey with a good sportsman spirit. After the competition, they met in the hallway. While recalling Neeraj said, “He congratulated me with a warm smile. I told him you look “tagray” in his national costume. Moreover, he told him that he did well and wished all the best for the future.”
This warm gesture may not ease tensions on the borders of Pakistan and India but this might change or melt a few hearts with love for sports.
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