Neeraj Chopra, the shining star of Indian athletics, has now etched his name as a world champion. A historic moment occurred late on Sunday night at the National Athletics Complex in Budapest. Chopra’s javelin flew through the air and touched down at an incredible distance of 88.17 meters on his second try.
Chopra was without a doubt the favorite going into the World Championship final. He qualified with just one try after launching a season-best throw of 88.77 meters during the qualification round. As the qualifying standard for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is 85.50 meters, this throw also guaranteed him that spot. In the ranks of the competition, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem claimed the second position, trailing behind Neeraj Chopra.
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Needless to say, Chopra’s victory against his Pakistani opponent sparked enthusiasm across the country. Many of them even made memes over Arshad Nadeem’s performance and photos.
But Chopra’s mother’s answer was what touched people’s hearts all around the country. Her response to a reporter’s inquiry about her son’s win against a Pakistani opponent perfectly captured the spirit of the event. So, here’s what happened:
Neeraj Chopra’s mother reacted to a query related to Arshad Nadeem
After Neeraj Chopra’s incredible victory, his mother, Saroj Devi, took center stage for a media interview. The interview has gone viral and won hearts all over the world. In her interview, she was asked about her thoughts following her son’s triumph over Pakistan’s Arshad.
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Nonetheless, her response displayed an amazing fusion of knowledge and elegance. She said with great elegance,
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“Look, everyone has come to play in the field. One or the other will definitely win. So there is no question of being from Pakistan or Haryana.”
She continued with unflinching conviction,
“And it is a matter of great happiness. Even if that Pakistani had won, there would’ve been great happiness.”
Have a look at the video
A reporter asked #NeerajChopra ‘s mother about how she feels about Neeraj defeating a Pakistani athlete to win gold.
His mother said : A player is a player, it doesn’t matter where he comes from, I am glad that the Pakistani player ( Arshad Nadeem) won as well.
This whole… pic.twitter.com/imk3ZHyLrC
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) August 28, 2023
Her insightful remarks struck a chord with many people, who were moved by her unique viewpoint.
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Social media buzzed with praise for Saroj Devi
Reporter came to sell hate..
Neera Chopra’s mother sold love ❤️❤️❤️❤️— Ibrahim (@ibrahim_4831) August 28, 2023
She is a gem, she raised a gem 💎🙌🙌
— Prabal🌹 (@RationalPrabal) August 28, 2023
Question was in bad taste…her answer is a gem…we need many more like her
— Adil Nargolwala (@adilnargolwala) August 28, 2023
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Reporter wanted to meet his monthly targets of offensive comments generated but the mom was like meet my chappal.
— Adi C (@JujuAadi) August 29, 2023
When questioned about her son’s plans for marriage, she said,
“Talking about the marriage, it will happen when his heart wants; he is very much focused on the sport, and we cannot force him to do anything and He will marry when he wants to.”
In addition to cementing his place in history, Neeraj Chopra accomplished an unprecedented achievement by becoming the first Indian to ever win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championship. Adding to his previously accomplished Olympic victory, Chopra has now conquered the last big title that escaped him. His career features various honors, including gold medals from the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Diamond League, Asian Championships, and the U-20 World Championship. Now he will have a gold medal from the World Championship to add to his already spectacular trophy cabinet.
