Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem at the Paris Olympics 2024
New Delhi: India’s golden boy Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw Final last night at the Paris Olympics 2024. Although Neeraj was not able to defend the gold medal, back home it was an atmosphere of jubilation and celebration with his mom and dad happy for their son’s success.
Neeraj’s father, Satish Kumar was very proud and happy for his son’s successful run at the Paris Olympics. The ANI quoted a visibly emotional father, Satish Kumar, “Everyone has their day. Today was Pakistan’s day. But we have won silver, and it is a proud thing for us…” He added that he believes Neeraj’s success story will herald a new beginning for multi-sporting prospects in the country.
Chopra’s success was celebrated with great pomp and show back in his hometown as large screens were put up to watch the final. Moreover, after Neeraj was able to win back the medal, sweets were distributed and firecrackers were burst as is the custom of India.
“The one who got the gold…is also my child…”- remarks Neeraj Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi
Saroj Devi, Neeraj’s mother was surprisingly happy with Arshad’s gold medal win as well as with her son’s silver medal. In a recent interview with the ANI, Saroj remarked “We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold…is also my child…”
#WATCH | Haryana: On Neeraj Chopra winning a silver medal in men's javelin throw at #ParisOlympics2024, his mother Saroj Devi says, "We are very happy, for us silver is also equal to gold…he was injured, so we are happy with his performance…" pic.twitter.com/6VxfMZD0rF
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024
Saroj Devi’s motherly gestures for a fellow South Asian even after so much hate that is spewed between both nations have been celebrated on social media by both Indian and Pakistani fans.
Chopra’s medal was the fifth medal for India as earlier in the day the Indian men’s hockey team managed to win back-to-back medals in the Olympics. Although Neeraj was not able to deliver the golden moment in this edition of the Games, the Olympic athlete was confident in clinching gold in the upcoming edition at Los Angeles 2028.
