India – Pakistan rivalry in Saint-Dennis, France

In a nail-biting finale at the Paris 2024 Olympics, India’s javelin star Neeraj Chopra clinched the silver medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw event, narrowly missing out on the gold to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem.The historic contest not only captivated the audience but also set the stage for an intense and memorable showdown between two of the finest javelin throwers from the Indian subcontinent on Thursday night.

The heated rivalry between the two sides has been well documented. Now, India and Pakistan are competing against each other in the javelin throw at the Olympics, too. When Pakistan’s Nadeem of and India’s defending champion Chopra, finished 1-2 at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, fans from the subcontinent were in abundance at the Stade de France.

“There’s no doubt about the cricket rivalry. Now this javelin is also there,” Nadeem said through a translator. “People back home in Pakistan and even in India, they were eager to see us both throwing the javelin and beating one another. I’m happy to see Chopra earning silver.”

Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters (305 feet) in his second attempt, smashing the old mark of 90.57 set by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway in 2008. Chopra took silver at 89.45 meters, a season best, and Anderson Peters of Grenada took the bronze at 88.54.

Chopra, the defending Olympic champion, was in fine form, having consistently performed well throughout the season despite a minor injury scare earlier in the year. He started the final with a commendable throw of 85.97 meters, instantly putting himself in contention for a podium finish. However, it was Nadeem who set the tone for the event with an astonishing first throw of 87.89 meters, immediately taking the lead and setting a high benchmark for others to follow.

Chopra responded with remarkable focus and determination. On his second attempt, he managed to surpass his previous throw, reaching a distance of 87.12 meters. However, Nadeem was not to be outdone. On his third attempt, the Pakistani athlete delivered a sensational throw of 89.55 meters, a new personal best and a mark that would ultimately secure him the gold medal.

“When I threw the javelin, I got the feel of it leaving my hand, and sensed it could be an Olympic record, inshallah (God willing),” Nadeem said. “God indeed made it an Olympic record.” It was the first ever gold medal in track and field for Pakistan which, along with India, can contend for gold in cricket four years from now when that sport joins the Olympic program in Los Angeles.

Chopra fouled on all five of his other throws. “I’m always injured,” said Chopra, who has been slowed by a groin injury. ”Nadeem threw really well. Congratulations to him and his country. “ Chopra became a superstar in India when he won India’s first ever gold medal in track and field three years ago. But there were no fans in Tokyo because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Indian diaspora made sure Chopra felt the full support of his nation of 1.4 billion this time round. Neeraj Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi says that she was very happy with Neeraj winning a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event at Paris Olympics 2024. His mother says, “We are very happy, for us silver is also equal to gold…he was injured, so we are happy with his performance.”

The Paris 2024 Olympics has further cemented Neeraj Chopra’s status as one of the top javelin throwers in the world. His performance, despite finishing second, is a testament to his talent and determination. As he sets his sights on upcoming championships, including the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Games, Chopra remains committed to pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence.

The rivalry between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem is expected to grow stronger, promising thrilling contests in the future. Both athletes have set a benchmark in the sport, inspiring millions across their respective countries and beyond.

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