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Arshad Nadeem won gold in men’s javelin throw of Paris Olympics. (AP Photo)
Arshad Nadeem on Thursday created history by becoming the first ever Pakistan athlete to win an Olympic gold.
India javelin throw superstar Neeraj Chopra’s mother has sent a classy message to Ashraf Nadeem after the Pakistani created history at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. Nadeem has become the first from his country to win an individual gold medal at an Olympics after his record-breaking effort of 92.97m in the men’s javelin throw at the ongoing Paris Games.
Also Read: Arshad 1st Pakistani To Win Gold Medal In Olympics
In doing so, Nadeem got the better of his friend and rival Neeraj for the first time in his career with the Indian finishing second to claim silver.
Neeraj’s mother Saroj Devi is happy with her son getting a silver in Paris.
“We are very happy. For us, silver is also equal to gold. The one (Nadeem) who got the gold is also like our son. He was injured, so we are happy with his performance. I will cook his favourite food,” Saroj told news agency ANI.
Neeraj’s father Satish Kumar said it was Pakistan’s day.
“Everyone has their day. Today was Pakistan’s day. But we have won silver, and it is a proud thing for us. I think his groin injury had a part in his performance,” Satish said.
“He has won silver for the country. We are happy and proud. All the youths will get inspired by him,” Satish added.
Neeraj was the reining Olympic champion and a favourite to retain his title.
However, Nadeem, after an iffy start, produced a stunning throw to break the Olympic record.
In response, Neeraj managed to nail just one of his six attempts – a season best 89.45m – and it was enough for him to secure the second spot and the silver.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters took the bronze with a throw of 88.54m.
Neeraj has became the third Indian athlete to win medals at consecutive Olympics after Sushil Kumar and PV Sindhu. Only two Indians have won individual gold medals at Olympics thus far including Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj.
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