Indian PM Modi reacts to Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic victory

Chopra's mother had called Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who won gold over Neeraj, 'like a son' and 'Neeraj's brother'.

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Following Arshad Nadeem's historic victory over Indian rival Neeraj Chopra at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the sporting spirit displayed by Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, who referred to Nadeem as "like her son."

On Thursday, Nadeem clinched the gold medal in the javelin throw competition, while Chopra secured the silver.

In response to the results, Saroj Devi expressed her happiness for Nadeem's achievement, stating that she was proud of her son’s silver medal and that the Pakistani gold medalist was also like her son.

A video later surfaced of Chopra speaking with Prime Minister Modi, who congratulated the Indian athlete on his performance.

During the conversation, Modi commended Chopra’s mother for her gracious words about Nadeem, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship within their family.

In a reciprocal gesture, Nadeem’s mother also referred to Chopra as "like a son" and "a brother to Nadeem" during a media interaction.

She added, "I prayed for him [Chopra] too; he’s like a brother to Nadeem. May God grant him great success."