AMRITSAR/PANIPAT: Pakistan’s Razia Parveen, whose son Arshad Nadeem edged out Neeraj Chopra, personified the mutual respect in one of sport’s greatest rivalries when she said her family “would’ve celebrated just as joyfully” had the medals been reversed. “Neeraj is also like a son to me. I was praying for him too. I wish him all the best and hope he wins many medals,” Razia said.
In Haryana’s Panipat, Neeraj's mother Saroj Devi echoed the other proud mother amid the din of celebratory fireworks when she said, “Woh (Arshad) bhi humara ladka hai (He’s also our son).” On whether she was disappointed that Neeraj had to be content with silver, Saroj Devi said, “Koi baat nahin, ji (No regrets). It wasn’t a good day for him but he still proved his mettle. He has always won gold, so getting silver isn’t bad.”
Arshad’s family, natives of Mian Channu of Khanewal district in Pakistan’s Punjab, invited Neeraj to visit them whenever it would be possible for him to make a trip.
Arshad and Neeraj are like brothers: RaziaRazia said she was aware of the special bond that Arshad and Neeraj share as the go around the world competing in various championships.
“My son tells me that their relationship isn’t just about challenging each other in the javelin arena, but of friendship and brotherhood, too.” Arshad’s father Muhammad Ashraf, a mason, has struggled all his life raising eight children.
“Tough times come and go. My son worked incredibly hard, and Allah rewarded him. Today, he has won the gold medal for our country and brought pride to everyone,” Razia said. Arshad’s elder brother Shahid Azeem, a police constable, said his sibling often spoke of having his rival and friend “visit his other family” in Pakistan.
“Let him come, and you will see how warmly we welcome him right from the airport.” He said it was a matter of pride for the subcontinent that two of its athletes were now on top of the world in the sport of javelin.
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