While Indians can't stop to celebrate Neeraj Chopra's outstanding victory at Tokyo Olympics by clinching first ever gold for India in Javelin Throw, Chopra's opponent from Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem who was also a participant in Javelin Thow event congratulated Neeraj for his feat.
But besides congratulating Neeraj, Arshad also apologised to his country Pakistan for not bagging a gold medal. Nadeem was one of 12 throwers hoping to capture Olympic gold and perpetual glory for their countries. The man from Mian Channu has a personal and season best of 86.38 metres, and is ranked 23rd in the world.
Arshad in a Tweet wrote, "Congratulations to my Idol #NeerajChopra for winning gold medal....Sorry Pakistan I could not win medal for you."
Before Neeraj Chopra bagging the gold medal, Nadeem threw a brilliant 85.16 in qualification to top Group B and will be aiming for a podium spot today. Not long back, the Pakistani javelin thrower cited his Indian counterpart as one of his idols. Nadeem had won bronze at the 2016 South Asian Games hosted in India where Chopra had won the gold.
Nadeem finished fourth in the opening round with a throw of 84.62 metres on his third attempt. India's Neeraj Chopra topped the opening round with a throw of 87.58m. Nadeem's first throw landed at a distance of 82.40 - well below his personal best of 86.38m. His second attempt was deemed a foul.
He had qualified for the finals at overall third behind Chopra and Vetter.
However, Neeraj Chopra Neeraj Chopra on Saturday made history by becoming the first Indian to win gold medal in athletics at Olympic Games. Chopra has also become only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics. Chopra now holds gold medals in javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and now the Olympics, all at the same time.
After his win, prime minister Narendra Modi said history has been scripted and stressed that what Neeraj has achieved today will be remembered forever.
