The Battle of Javelins
The Paris Olympics have ended, but the dust is still settling down. Many fables have emerged, many parables would be told and many stories would be written. The one of many would be the epic Javelin Throw contest between our very own Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, at the Stade de France. Neeraj had recorded the best throw of 89.34 m in the Qualification and was the favourite to win the Gold and successfully defend his Tokyo crown. Arshad had qualified too and a good battle was on the cards, though Neeraj had a clear edge.
Arshad’s Day Out
A cool evening had besieged the Stade de France on the day of the Finals. Neeraj and Arshad both had missed their first attempts. Arshad was a real bundle of nerves unable to get his first throw right. But then he gathered himself in his second attempt, slowly paced his run up and threw with all his might. Lo and behold, the Javelin had travelled 92.97 metres. A new Olympic record was created. Even Arshad was stunned at his massive strike. Neeraj followed up with his season’s best of 89.45 m, but still fell short and settled for a silver. The performance of Arshad Nadeem hogged Olympic highlights. Neeraj gave his best, but it was Arshad’s day and there was no one denying him the Gold that evening.
Neeraj’s Mother…….
The media spotlight on Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra notwithstanding, there was someone else who stole the limelight from the two Javelin Stars. Neeraj Chopra’s Mother in a brief interview just after the contest, hailed her son’s effort and in the same breath applauded Arshad’s heroics too. She said that Arshad also was ‘ mhara baccha ‘ ( like her son ) and she was happy for him too. She had hardly said this, that the Internet and the social media went crazy on this statement from Neeraj’s mother.
……& her magnanimity
The compassion in her voice, her large heartedness and magnanimity caught everyones eyes. She was lauded for her comments and amidst the acrimony between the two neighbours, for once there was a harmonious exchange and massive appreciation from people from India and particularly from Pakistan. No wonder, the generosity and grace of an Indian mother had won hearts all around the world. She deservedly captured attention and showed true sportsman spirit. Arshad’s mother too spoke in the same vein and showered her affection on Neeraj. The two nations had experienced an unusual thaw in their relationship. Extraordinary !!
Extraordinary athletes and their Extraordinary mothers, winning hearts all over.
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Featured Image : Neeraj Chopra’s Mother /Pic courtesy indianexpress.com