After the event, Neeraj opened up as to how the Men's Javelin Throw final was looked at and claimed that many dubbed it as a final between India and Pakistan
Neeraj Chopra has completed a full circle in his sporting career when he clinched the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships 2023 on Sunday. The 25-year-old finished top of the podium as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem claimed the second spot, and took home the silver. (More Sports News)
After the event, Neeraj opened up as to how the Men's Javelin Throw final was looked at and claimed that many dubbed it as a final between India and Pakistan.
Neeraj and Nadeem have been friends off the field and rivals on it, for a long time. However, whenever these two athletes have taken the field, it's the Indian who has come out on top all the time.
It was the case here at the World Athletics Championships too when Neeraj threw 88.17 meters whereas Nadeem frinished at 87.82 meters.
"I don't use my mobile much before the competition but today I looked at it and the first thing was India versus Pakistan. But if you see, European athletes are very dangerous and at any time they can produce a big throw. Not just Arshad, there is Jakub and Julian Webber. So till the last throw you have to keep thinking about other throwers. But the thing is there will be India vs Pakistan comparisons back home," Chopra told reporters after the event in Budapest.
With the Asian Games coming in next, Arshad and Neeraj will be competing again on the field. Neeraj admitted that there will be the 'India vs Pakistan' buzz when these two take the field at the marquee event.
"I feel at the Asian Games there will be more talk about India versus Pakistan, but I am just going to stay relaxed and healthy," he said.
Neeraj also acknowledged Nadeem's efforts and was happy to see him finish second.
"I felt good that Arshad threw well and we discussed how both our countries are growing now. Earlier there were European athletes but now we have reached their level," he further said.