Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem shocks the world by throwing 92.97m to win Javelin gold at Paris Olympics, dethrones Neeraj Chopra
Arshad Nadeem beat a 16-year-old record as he went on to earn Pakistan its first gold medal at Paris.
Follow Us
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem (via IMAGO)
India and Pakistan have been rival nations since their inception. When it comes to sports, the biggest rivalry has been during cricket matches, however, after the Paris Olympics, the sport of javelin throw is likely to be a sport in which the two nations will hope to best each other every time they go up against one another.
The defending gold medalist Neeraj Chopra showed up to the finals of the javelin throw round. He had his best throw of 89.45m but unfortunately, it was not good enough to beat Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. The latter had an unforgettable showing in Paris as he broke the all-time Olympic record in the javelin throw with his throw of 92.97m to win the gold medal.
India’s Neeraj Chopra had to settle for a silver. Despite his second-place finish, he proved that he can be consistent. It was a rough road for him as he had to deal with an adductor niggle as he headed into the Summer Games.
Arshad Nadeem looked up to Neeraj Chopra as a role model
It was a case of ‘When idols become rivals’ for Nadeem who made sure to put the world on notice when he got the first opportunity to do so. The Pakistani javelin thrower beat the Olympic record in the sport that remained untouched for 16 years. He did so not once but twice. On his second throw of the competition, he threw for 92.97m whereas on his final attempt, he threw for 91.79m.
Neeraj Chopra brought his best at the Paris Olympics but it was not enough. Despite a second-place finish, his performance earned India the best medal yet. A podium finish is nothing to look down upon, Chopra made his country proud with his showing in Paris. Despite the generational rivalry prevailing between India and Pakistan’s athletes, Arshad and Neeraj share a bond of respect and mutual admiration.
Arshad Nadeem has made it a point to take a picture with Chopra before every competition they go up against. Interestingly enough, Nadeem had revealed after his second-place finish at the World Championship that he wants to see India and Pakistan finish in the 1st and 2nd position respectively at the Olympics. His wish came true, except Pakistan got the first and India ranked second.
In case you missed:
- ‘Emotional’ Matt Hudson-Smith screams f*ck repeatedly after missing out on Olympic gold by four-hundredths of a second
- “Guys that may never get opportunity!” Draymond Green builds dream USA 3×3 team with NBA stars
Stay Updated!
Sumedh Joshi
(2196 Articles Published)