Neeraj Chopra’s Mother Celebrates Silver Medal and Praises Arshad Nadeem’s Gold Performance

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/9th August 2024

Saroj Devi, mother of India’s celebrated javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, expressed immense joy over her son’s silver medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024, and also extended her heartfelt congratulations to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem for his record-breaking gold medal performance. Devi’s gracious comments reflect a deep sense of sportsmanship and respect for fellow athletes.

On Thursday night, Chopra secured the silver medal with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters, while Nadeem claimed the gold with a stunning 92.97 meters, breaking the Olympic record in the process. Despite the competitive nature of the event, Devi’s reaction highlighted a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect between the athletes. She described Nadeem as being like her own child, emphasizing the shared dedication and hard work that both athletes exhibited.

Devi conveyed her happiness in a recent interview from the family’s hometown of Khandra, Panipat, stating, “We are very happy with the silver. The one who got gold is also our child, and the one who got silver is also our child. All are athletes, and all work hard.” Her sentiments underline the universal bond among athletes who strive for excellence and support one another, regardless of national boundaries.

Chopra’s achievement is particularly notable as he becomes only the third Indian to win back-to-back individual Olympic medals and the first in track-and-field to do so. His performance in Paris was a testament to his consistent skill and dedication in a highly competitive field where seven athletes surpassed the 86-meter mark.

The Chopra family’s pride extends beyond just the accolades, reflecting in their plans to celebrate Neeraj’s return home. Known for his fondness for traditional Indian cuisine, Chopra will be welcomed with his favorite dish, churma, along with ladoos and festive firecrackers. Saroj Devi expressed her excitement about the homecoming, stating, “He did really well. We will welcome him with churma which is his favorite. I am delighted, people are lighting firecrackers, and we are making ladoos.”

Chopra’s silver medal was achieved in a challenging competition where Nadeem’s remarkable performance set a high bar. Kamlesh, Chopra’s aunt, acknowledged the difficulty of the competition but remained proud of her nephew’s achievement. She remarked, “It’s not about winning a gold or silver, but about winning a medal, and he did his best.” Kamlesh also mentioned that the family had anticipated the possibility of not winning gold after witnessing Nadeem’s exceptional throw, but they remained supportive and appreciative of Chopra’s effort.

Neeraj Chopra’s legacy as one of India’s most decorated athletes continues to grow, with gold medals from prestigious tournaments including the Olympics, World Championships, Diamond League, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. His family’s unwavering support and the positive reception of his achievements underscore the broader spirit of sportsmanship that transcends national boundaries.