Despite the frequent talks of rivalry between Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra in the sporting world, their relationship is built on mutual respect and friendship. After Arshad and Neeraj secured a 1-2 finish in the Paris Olympics javelin throw final, social media was abuzz with stories highlighting their camaraderie. Neeraj’s mother, Saroj, even expressed that Arshad is like a son to her. Echoing this sentiment, Arshad’s mother shared similar feelings, stating she sees Neeraj as her own son as well.
“He is also like my son. He is Nadeem’s friend and brother. Wins and losses are part of the sport. May God bless him and may he continue to win medals. They are like brothers; I’ve prayed for Neeraj too,” Arshad’s mother said in an interview.
While Arshad made history as the first athlete from Pakistan to clinch a gold medal in an individual event, Neeraj became the third Indian and the first in track and field to win back-to-back individual Olympic medals.
“We are very happy with the silver. The one who got gold is also our child, and the one who got silver is also our child. All are athletes, all work hard,” Saroj said in an interview in Khandra, Panipat, where the family is based.
“Nadeem is also good; he plays well. There is no difference between Neeraj and Nadeem. We got gold and silver, and there is no difference for us,” she added.
Despite being competitors on the field, Chopra and Nadeem share a strong friendship off it. Neeraj has supported Arshad on numerous occasions, showing that their bond goes beyond rivalry.
