I am happy that Neeraj Bhai won the gold medal: Arshad Nadeem
Lahore (IANS). In the recently concluded World Athletics Championships, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won the silver medal in the javelin throw final, while India’s Neeraj Chopra created history by winning the gold medal. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Nadeem opened up about the Championship Tour and his bonding with Neeraj.
“Neeraj Bhai won the gold medal and I am very happy that both the Asian countries secured the top two positions. Sometimes he will win gold, sometimes I will, so it will go on like this but I am very happy that Neeraj got gold medal.
“I went to Guwahati, India for the South-Asian Games and won a bronze medal there. That time Neeraj got the gold medal, I also broke the previous national record in men’s javelin throw. As we played more games together, we came closer and our bond of friendship grew stronger.
Arshad also expressed his gratitude towards Neeraj’s mother, who had earlier congratulated the Pakistani player on winning the medal and also called him like a son.
Arshad said, “Apart from the rumors whatever they say that Pakistan did this or India did that, such thoughts keep both the countries together and give us positive energy to do well in the tournament. I heartily congratulate Neeraj’s mother and the whole of India for this achievement.
Soon after the final results, a picture of the three medal winners together went viral in which Arshad was not seen with his country’s flag. Talking about this, Arshad told BBC, “After the last throw, I was packing my bags because we carry a lot of stuff. Neeraj called me for a photoshoot and I went.
“I had my flag with me but since Neeraj called me, I thought of settling down. Later I also posed for pictures with my national flag. The pressure of big tournaments is always there, with players from all over the world competing against you, so it is never easy to perform.”
When asked if Neeraj Chopra is his biggest rival, Arshad made it clear by saying, “Arshad Nadeem is Arshad Nadeem’s only rival”.
Furthermore, he said, “I always try to beat myself; I never look at anyone else. I always want to give my best and perform better than the previous throw.
Arshad also highlighted the problems that he faces which somehow prevent him from giving his best. He talked about the lack of facilities and coaching at the national level.
“Neeraj receives world-class facilities and training; We did not understand that, our government provides us facilities but it is not enough. Here the athletes do not even have a proper field to practice. I had some world class spears which I use in my training, but apart from that there are many things we need which we don’t get.”
“Apart from these things we also need a better coach who can train us well. If we get these facilities here, we can do our training from Pakistan also. Paris Olympics is next year so I hope I win gold there. I also wish Neeraj Bhai all the best and wish him to share the podium with me.
