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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a gesture that transcends the intense rivalry on the field, Pakistan’s javelin throw star Arshad Nadeem delivered a touching response to Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, after she referred to him as ‘like her son’ following his gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Responding to her heartfelt words, Nadeem expressed his deep gratitude, saying, "A mother is a mother for everyone, so she prays for everyone too. I'm grateful to Neeraj Chopra's mother. She's my mother too. She prayed for us, and we were just two players from South Asia who performed on the world stage." His remarks, delivered upon his return to Pakistan to a hero's welcome, highlight the deep respect and camaraderie that can exist even among competitors.

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Nadeem’s mother, Raziah Parveen, also shared her affection for Neeraj, acknowledging the bond between the two athletes. "Woh bhi mere bete jaisa hai. Woh Nadeem ka dost bhi hai, bhai bhi hai (He is like a son to me. He is Nadeem's friend and also like a brother)," she told Pakistani media.

Arshad Nadeem made history in Paris, becoming Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medalist at the Olympics. The 27-year-old set the world alight with his astonishing performance, shattering the previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters set by Andreas Thorkildsen. Nadeem’s second throw of 92.97 meters was a monumental achievement, only to be outdone by his final throw, which landed at 91.79 meters. This remarkable feat ended Pakistan’s 32-year Olympic medal drought.

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In contrast, Neeraj Chopra, who had hoped to defend his Olympic title, had a challenging day. He opened with a foul but recovered with a strong 89.45-meter throw in his second attempt, securing the silver medal. However, four additional fouls in his subsequent attempts prevented him from challenging Nadeem's dominance.

Despite the fierce competition, the mutual respect and warmth between the athletes and their families shine as a reminder of the unifying power of sports. Nadeem’s words echo a sentiment that extends beyond the boundaries of their respective nations, highlighting a bond that celebrates shared success and the universal love of a mother.