'Neeraj Chopra like son to me'- How Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj's mothers reacted to javelin throw final at Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem have been winning accolades for their nations in men’s javelin throw.

After the results were finalised in men’s javelin throw at Paris Olympics 2024, press conferences and interviews were conducted at the homes of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem. Both their mothers had similar messages for their children. 

Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi said, “We’re very happy with the silver medal, the one who won gold (Nadeem) is also my child. All are athletes and all work hard.”

It was an emotional moment at Nadeem’s residence as well as his mother, Razia Parveen said “Neeraj Chopra is like a son to me, he is a friend and a brother to Nadeem, I prayed for him too. Wins and losses are part of the sport.”

"If mothers ran the world, there would be no hate, no wars. #ArshadNadeem's mother: 'Neeraj Chopra is like a son to me. I prayed for him too.' (courtesy indyurdu) #NeerajChopra's mother: 'We're happy with silver. The one who won gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child.'"… pic.twitter.com/hCHGGZ6c30

— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) August 9, 2024

The men’s javelin throw at Paris Olympics 2024 saw Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan winning gold while Indian Neeraj Chopra taking silver. While the event is over, the camaraderie between them and the heartfelt messages from both their mothers have shown how sport triumphs over all.

Both athletes have come from humble backgrounds and have fulfilled the hopes of their nation through their success in men’s javelin throw. Chopra praised Nadeem’s efforts in the final and congratulated him on the gold medal.

Nadeem has often described Chopra as his idol and looks up to him. Though both are from neighbouring countries which have strained relationships, Nadeem and Chopra have always maintained their friendship. They have been competing together since their U-20 days.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra bags silver as Arshad Nadeem sets new Olympic record to clinch gold

Nadeem and Chopra have competed together in 10 competitions and Paris Olympics 2024 was the first one where Nadeem was placed higher than Chopra. They competed together for the first time at the South Asian games at Guwahati in 2016. Chopra secured gold while Nadeem finished third. Their podium picture showed sportsmanship spirit between both.

Both athletes took pictures together with the flags of their respective nations at Paris Olympics 2024. Chopra had also invited Nadeem to join while taking pictures at the Tokyo Olympics where the Pakistani athlete had finished fifth and the Indian had won gold.

While Nadeem broke a 16-year-old Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 metres. Chopra recorded his season best throw of 89.45 metres.

Nadeem now holds the Olympic record and the Asian record in men’s javelin throw. He also holds the sixth best throw of all time in men’s javelin throw. Chopra and Nadeem will be hoping to compete again and share a podium finish.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram