Janice R. Andrews
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic javelin throw final, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan has wished his buddy and adversary, Neeraj Chopra of India, the very best. With outstanding throws, both athletes qualified for the final on Tuesday after making an impression in the qualification round.
Arshad Nadeem, the 2023 World Championships silver medallist, easily surpassed the direct qualification threshold of 84 meters with a throw of 86.59 meters on his first try. But Neeraj Chopra, the gold medallist from Tokyo 2020, took center stage with an incredible throw of 89.34 meters in his debut.
“Neeraj bhai and I are the only two South Asians competing on the global stage,” Arshad said, “and it fills me with great happiness that we are the only two.” “I hope that we continue to perform for our respective countries and make the names of our countries shine bright globally.”
On August 8, the men’s javelin throw final will take place at Paris’ Stade de France. With a throw of 87.58 meters, Neeraj Chopra won the Olympic gold in Tokyo and will be attempting to retain his title. With a throw of 84.62 meters, Arshad Nadeem, 27, placed fifth in the Tokyo competition, becoming the first-ever Pakistani to go to the final of any track and field event in Olympic history.
The goal of every competitor is still to give it their all in every competition. Neeraj has my warmest wishes for success. Nadeem responded, “May he and I both do well for our respective countries,” when asked if he would like to share the Olympic podium with Neeraj Chopra of India.
The Indian-Pakistani pair has a past of sharing stages. At the 2018 Asian Games, when Neeraj won gold and Nadeem brought home bronze, they first shared the podium. More recently, Neeraj took home the gold and Arshad the silver at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
Their friendship goes beyond the rivalry. Over the years, the two sportsmen have grown close and respectful of one another, frequently conversing and supporting one another. Additionally, they have spoken and met many times at the Olympic Village in Paris.
Yes, it is where we have had a few encounters. Every time we get together, we have a little conversation,” the Pakistani javelin expert stated. “And we spoke just now as well, and he said congratulations to me after the qualification.”
“We usually chat about topics that friends discuss. the typical items. And we hope for each other’s success in our individual nations,” the Commonwealth Games victor continued.
Fans from both countries and throughout the world are looking forward to an exciting competition as the javelin final draws near. Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra’s mutual regard and good sportsmanship provided a positive example for the occasion and emphasized the Olympic spirit. Their performances will definitely continue to motivate ambitious athletes from South Asia and beyond, regardless of whether they stand together on the podium or not.
