Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem both fouled their opening attempts in the final. But when Nadeem came back for his second throw, no one expected that this would be a historic performance that would earn him the gold medal. On his second try, Nadeem released an astonishing 92.97 meters, setting a new Olympic record in Stade de France.
After an amazing throw, Nadeem celebrated by raising both hands and looking up into the sky with a hint of emotion that showed he knew what he had done for his country.
In his 2nd attempt Neeraj Chopra managed to strike a brilliant throw of 89.45 meters which was also his best this season but not enough for him to clinch gold.
Nadeem’s victory marked Pakistan’s first gold since Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 where they won top prize in hockey and also makes him the first track and field athlete from Pakistan to have won at Olympic level.
The previous Olympic record stood at 90.57 meters set at Beijing Games (2008) by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway while Jan Zelezny from Czech Republic who holds world record of 98.48 meters was present watching the game together with Thorkildsen among other fans seated on stands.
“I am so glad. We are still celebrating this now. I never thought we could be so happy as this. I really thank God for everything he has given us today it is all about hardwork put by Arshad himself.” His mother Raziah Parveen tells TimeofIndia.com exclusively from Punjab (Pakistan).
‘NO RIVALRY, NADEEM-NEERAJ ARE FRIENDS’
It was amazing for fans when Neeraj failed to defend men’s javelin title against Nadeem. The silver and gold medals also reflected the India-Pakistan rivalry.
“They are not just friends but like brothers to each other; they have no competition at all between them rather a strong bond of friendship. I also wish Neeraj all the best, he is my son, hope he wins many things in life. In sports we win some lose some but as for this pair it’s more than that of brotherly love.” She said.
‘EMOTIONAL NADEEM AND HIS ‘GOLD’ PROMISE’
After his gold victory Nadeem dashed to his room and called his mother first.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Nadeem hardly spoke before his mother Raziah responded by saying “Pakistan is proud of you Arshad”.
“He went directly to his room and immediately called me after winning the gold. Tears rolled down my cheeks too. He said “Maa maine gold jeet liya’. I was in tears too as he told me that ‘Maa teri duaon ne kamaal kar diya.’ My son has made me so proud; I am yet to come to terms with this reality. And he promised me that he would bring back another gold from Los Angeles,” she concluded.
“He wanted to win the gold and make Pakistan proud. I am really happy that he was able to chase his dreams and fulfill them,” her mother added.
