Asian 1-2 denies Europe men's javelin podium in Paris: A first in Olympic history
"It was Arshad's day, I've to accept it", says Neeraj Chopra
In the 116-year-history of the competition, this was the first time that a European did not feature in the podium of the event.
This marked a tectonic shift in the competition's history, which has always been technical.
The Europeans, with their advancement in science, dietary planning and technique have dominated the sport in the biggest sporting event of the world.
Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj Chopra and Anderson Peters took the podium in the men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics. This is the first time in the 116-year history of the competition that a European did not feature in the top three.
It was a bittersweet moment for Indians in the Paris Olympics on Thursday, 8 August. After multiple 4th place heartbreaks and 4 bronzes, India were finally able to change the colour of the medal to silver in Paris. India's golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, put in his season-best effort to clinch the silver medal in the Olympics.
This was Chopra's second medal in two editions of the Games, as he extended his greatness in Indian athletics history.
While there was joy in Neeraj's incredible feat, there was a slight sense of being held back, since the defending champion was not able to win the Gold Medal in Paris. The 2024 Games was expected to be India's best, but multiple close finishes have meant that India have not managed to go past their 7-medal tally in Tokyo.
Nadeem, who was under tremendous pressure financially and healthwise going into the Olympics, broke the Olympic record twice in the same event. The previous record of 90.57m was bested twice by the same athlete. Arshad Nadeem first threw 92.97m to get away from the field and then in his final throw of the day, landed 91.79m.
Neeraj on the other hand struggled for consistency due to his groin injury. Neeraj was able to register only one legal throw today, but it was enough to get him into the silver medal position.
Neeraj's 89.45m was his season's best, and a big improvement over his Olympic gold-winning throw from Tokyo.
"We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold (Arshad Nadeem) is also my child," Saroj Devi said, her words resonating with a sense of sportsmanship and shared humanity that often transcends the fierce competition on the field.
Neeraj's mother's remarks have been widely praised by Indian and Pakistani fans for their warmth and sportsmanship, offering a powerful reminder of the dedication and perseverance that define Olympic athletes.
Notably, Nadeem scripted history on Thursday by clinching Pakistan's first Olympic medal in athletics, winning gold in the men's javelin event. Nadeem's stunning throw of 92.97 meters in his second attempt not only shattered the Olympic record but also placed him sixth on the all-time list of javelin throws.
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