Star Indian Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s mother downplayed the hype of her son triumphing over Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem in the World Athletics Championship.
Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra on Sunday made history as they became the first to win a silver and gold medal respectively in the World Athletics Championship.
Following his sensational run to capture the silver medal, Arshad Nadeem became the first athlete from Pakistan to achieve the feat in the World Athletics Championship while Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a gold.
Arshad Nadeem secured the silver with his best throw in his third attempt which went at a distance of 87.82 meters.
His Indian counterpart Neeraj bagged India’s first gold medal at the World Athletics Championship with an 88.17m throw in his second attempt.
Neeraj Chopra’s remarkable achievement sent the masses across the border into immense jubilation but few of them ignited the India-Pakistan rivalry by drawing the comparison between the two athletes, who have, in many instances, displayed mutual respect.
Following her son’s record-breaking performance, Neeraj Chopra’s mother was interacting with the media and in the midst was asked about her emotions regarding Neeraj triumphing over Pakistan’s Arshad.
“How big of an achievement it was for Neeraj to defeat the Pakistani?” the reporter asked, to which she replied: “There is no division of countries on the field all players are equal.”
“In the field, everyone is an athlete, and someone has to win; it doesn’t matter if they are from Pakistan or from Haryana,” Neeraj Chopra’s mother said.
She further said: “It is a matter [Neeraj’s victory] of joy for me and I am happy for the Pakistani athlete as well.”
Neeraj Chopra’s mother’s befitting response to the journalist quickly went viral across social media platforms and fans from both neighbouring countries greatly admired her exceptional perspective.
READ: Arshad Nadeem returns after winning silver at World Athletics Championship