Neeraj Chopra’s historic silver medal at the Paris Olympics has sparked immense pride among his family members, who gathered to celebrate his achievement despite a challenging competition. Neeraj’s father, Satish Kumar, expressed deep pride in his son’s performance, acknowledging the significant obstacles Neeraj overcame, including a groin injury that affected his form.
Despite the setback, Satish remained positive, stating, “Everyone has their day. Today was Pakistan’s day. But we have won silver, and it is a proud thing for us. I think his groin injury had a part in his performance.”
Neeraj’s mother, Saroj Devi, also shared her joy and magnanimity in embracing the success of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with an astounding throw of 92.97 metres.
Saroj Devi’s words resonated with warmth and unity, as she remarked, “We are very happy. For us, silver is also equal to gold. The one who got the gold is also like our son. He was injured, so we are happy with his performance. I will cook his favourite food.”
The Chopra family celebrated Neeraj’s success with neighbours and friends. A large screen was set up in Neeraj’s neighbourhood, where people gathered in large numbers to watch the javelin final. The atmosphere was jubilant, with sweets distributed and crackers burst to mark Bharat’s first silver and overall fifth medal at the Paris Olympics.
Neeraj’s grandfather, Dharm Singh Chopra, also expressed his pride in his grandson’s achievement, stating, “He has given his best performance and won silver, adding one more medal to the country.” His words reflected the family’s collective pride and their recognition of Neeraj’s relentless efforts to bring glory to Bharat.
Despite the stiff competition, particularly from Arshad Nadeem, Neeraj managed to deliver his season-best throw of 89.45 metres. However, it fell short of the mark set by Nadeem, who delivered one of the greatest performances in Olympic history. Neeraj’s journey to defend his Tokyo gold medal was fraught with challenges, but his perseverance and determination continue to inspire countless youths across the nation.
As the celebrations continue, Neeraj’s family remains a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and the unity that transcends borders, embracing the achievements of their son and his rival with equal pride and joy.
