Budapest [Hungary], August 28 (ANI): After besting Arshad Nadeem to win India its first gold medal within the prestigious World Athletic Championships, India’s javelin ace Neeraj Chopra stated he was trying ahead to resuming his rivalry along with his Pakistani rival within the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
He stated the expectations from his followers of an encore within the Asian Games will add to the strain as he takes the sector in Hangzhou.
The Golden Boy of Indian athletics managed to get higher off his arch-rival by a margin of simply 0.35 metres of their newest encounter on the World Athletics Championships 2023 remaining in Budapest on Sunday night time.
The pleasure at besting his Pakistani rival on the finish of a fierce contest was writ giant on Neerej’s face as he let loose a triumphalist roar after recording a throw of 88.17 metres on his second try.
However, setting his on-field rival apart, Neeraj was pictured embracing his arch-rival after popping out tops.
Visuals of his bromance along with his Pakistani rival was broadly circulated on social media.
In the post-match press convention, Neeraj shared the dialog he had with the Pakistani javelin thrower and their rising rivalry.
“I met Arshad [Nadeem] after the event and we were happy that both our countries are making serious strides in the sporting arena. We were also happy to have prevailed over our European counterparts, who are stronger and very competitive. The rivalry between our two nations in sports will always be there. I feel the win here will raise the expectations of fans going into the Asian Games. We will meet again in Hangzhou,” Neeraj stated on the post-match press convention.
The Tokyo Olympic gold medallist wasn’t the one Indian to be competing within the remaining, as Kishore Jena (better of 84.77 m) and DP Manu (better of 84.14 m) completed fifth and sixth respectively.
Neeraj went on to laud his compatriots for holding their nerves within the face of fierce competitors and arising with distinctive performances.
“I am delighted with Kishore Jenna producing his personal best. What made me happier still was the way they competed with the Europeans in their World Athletics Championship final. It was no mean achievement,” Neeraj added. Neeraj will return to guide India’s medal hopes within the Hangzhou Asian Games, which is to be held from September 23 to October 8.
The Asian Games will mark Neeraj’s remaining main competitors of this yr. (ANI)