Neeraj recalls proud moments on podium

New Delhi, Sept. 5: It was quite a moment at the Asian Games when Indian gold- medallist Neeraj Chopra stood flanked by a Chinese and a Pakistani on the podium but ask the star javelin thrower about it and he says it didn’t even strike him as he was consumed by the national anthem.

Chopra broke the national record with a throw of 88.06m, while China’s Liu Qizhen ( 82.22m) and bronze to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem ( 80.75m) were distant second and third respectively in Jakarta.

At the medal ceremony, it made for a moment given the often volatile diplomatic dynamics between the three countries.

The picture of Chopra shaking hands with Nadeem on the podium went viral on social media with tennis star Sania Mirza tweeting that it showed why sports is the “best education you can provide your child with.”

“Teaches you sportsmanship, equality, respect and most importantly humanity! If only some people can learn this from our champion athletes too,” she said.

Chopra, after his glorious performance, said during the prize ceremony, he was only focussed on the national anthem.

“I did not realise ( at that moment) that I was standing with them. Seeing the tri- colour and with the rendering of the national anthem, I was becoming emotional, remembering the struggle and hard work I have done to reach to this stage,” Chopra said from Czech Republic, where he is training.

The 20- year- old became the first

■ I did not realise that I was standing with them. Seeing the tri- colour and with the rendering of the national anthem, I was becoming emotional, remembering the struggle and hard work I have done to reach to this stage,” Neeraj Chopra said in reference to his Chinese and Pakistani opponents sharing podium with him.

Indian to win a javelin throw gold in the Asian Games, adding another feather to his cap after the top finish at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in a phenomenal season.

He, however, hastened to add that sports should unite people rather than generating “hatred”.

“Sports always teaches us to unite people, to be good towards your competitors. Sports is not meant to show hatred to others,” he said.

Nadeem had later claimed that Chopra was not particularly forthcoming when he tried to reach out to him through whatsapp messages.

Asked about this, Chopra said, “I am not aware of any face to face approach from him ( Nadeem). If somebody tries to speak or wants to ask something behind my back, I would not know. If he had sent some messages on my phone, I would not know. I don’t see so many messages.”