Pakistani, Indian netizens unite to celebrate Arshad and Neeraj’s Olympic win

The Paris Olympics 2024 provided a shared moment of pride for Pakistan and India as people from both countries cheered for their respective athletes Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra.

The internet was flooded with cross-border messages of admiration and goodwill.

Javelin throwers Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra have been fierce rivals since 2016, competing against each other in numerous international sporting events. Chopra has consistently outperformed Nadeem in these competitions.

However, the tide turned this time as Arshad Nadeem shattered the Olympic record with a monumental 92.97-meter throw in the men's javelin event, securing Pakistan's first gold medal in 40 years.

Pakistan's first-ever Olympic gold medal was won by the hockey team in 1984. The last time Pakistan stood on an Olympic podium was in 1992 when the hockey team clinched bronze at the Barcelona Olympics.

India's Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020, finished second this time and clinched a silver medal with an 89.45m throw in his second attempt.

Grenada's Anderson Peters secured a bronze medal with an 88.54m throw, his country's first-ever Olympic medal in a throwing event.

Unlike previous rivalries, this time Pakistani and Indian fans united in celebrating the victories of their respective athletes.

Neeraj's mother's heartwarming gesture of calling Arshad Nadeem "her own child" went viral on social media, sparking outpouring of support and admiration across both nations.

Indians showered Arshad Nadeem with praise and applauded his remarkable journey of Olympic glory despite limited resources.

Here's how Pakistani and Indian netizens reacted to the achievement:

Absolutely LOVE this from Neeraj Chopra's mother, Saroj.

"We are very happy with the silver. For us even the silver feels like a gold. The one who won the gold [Nadeem] is also my child. They all work hard to get there.” pic.twitter.com/MFS8xIiExD

— Shyam Vasudevan (@JesuisShyam) August 8, 2024

Neeraj Chopra after winning silver at #Paris2024:

“I have been competing against Arshad since 2016 but this is the first time I have lost to him. But credit where credit is due, Arshad has worked really hard and he was better than me on the night. Congratulations to him” pic.twitter.com/iIf2rzgUsd

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) August 8, 2024

92.97 🤝 89.45 🇮🇳🇵🇰#NeerajChopra #Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/0UqR8gqjiS

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) August 8, 2024

Pakistan’s Nadeem first, Neeraj Chopra second.. the first ever Pakistan India one two in Olympic track and field. Guess sports does what politics cannot: brings athletes together in a podium finish. Let’s give a 👍 to the Pakistani who threw a monstrous first throw and salute…

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 8, 2024

This is so touching.

May Arshad & Neeraj’s friendship (and healthy rivalry) continue to thrive!

Congratulations on India’s first silver medal this Olympics, Neeraj. https://t.co/cyRT7txZpc

— Osman Khalid Butt 🇵🇸 (@aClockworkObi) August 8, 2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY! 🇵🇰🙏🇮🇳#India's Neeraj Chopra congratulates #Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem after the men's javelin throw final of the athletics event at the #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/ze3yVoZO0J

— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) August 8, 2024

The greatness of Neeraj Chopra lies in the fact that even on his abysmal day, he ends up winning a Silver for India, Stuff of Champions!
No shame going down to something astonishing from Arshad Nadeem!
What a day for Sub Continent!
For a change both nations will sleep well!

— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) August 8, 2024