Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, is capturing hearts online with her remarks following her son’s record win, refusing to let birth origins differentiate her affections for Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem.
The touching display unfolded as Chopra and Nadeem clinched the top two spots on the podium in the men’s javelin event at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
“When you’re out on the field, everyone’s there to play. One of them is bound to emerge victorious. So, the concept of Pakistan or Haryana doesn’t even arise,” she said after a reporter asked how she feels about Neeraj defeating a Pakistani athlete to win gold.
“An athlete is an athlete, regardless of their origin. I’m pleased that the Pakistani athlete also won,” Saroj Devi expressed.
“It’s a cause for celebration. Even if the Pakistani athlete had won, there would’ve been a celebration,” she said.
Saroj Devi’s gratitude was palpable, “The God answered my son’s aspirations. By clinching the Gold Medal, he’s brought honor to the nation. We’ll celebrate this once he’s back…”
Saroj Devi’s response found widespread acclaim on social media, while also shedding light on the jingoistic undertone of the journalist’s question.
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra on Sunday scripted history yet again as he became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the World Athletics Championships with a big throw of 88.17m in the men’s javelin final.
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, another formidable contender, closely trailed Neeraj’s achievement with a silver medal in hand.
The third spot on the podium was secured by Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic.
