'It's Like IND-PAK...,' Harbhajan On Neeraj And Arshad's Inspiring Friendship Across Borders
Harbhajan Singh on Neeraj and Arshad's friendship (X.com)
The camaraderie between Indian superstar Neeraj Chopra and Pakistani javelin ace Arshad Nadeem clearly shows that sport transcends borders and unites people, feels former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.
On Thursday, Nadeem clinched the gold medal with a stunning Olympic record throw of 92.97m while defending champion Chopra took the silver with a season's best effort of 89.45m, in Paris.
"We have seen some good pictures where Neeraj and Nadeem after the ceremony, they were talking with each other... with both of them holding their own flags and respecting each other as a sportsperson. That's what shows that sports is beyond any boundaries and sports unites everyone, so great message by both of them," Harbhajan said.
See it's like India-Pakistan. When we played against Pakistan in cricket, obviously we are very competitive on the field but when it comes to off the field we share a good bond."
The 44-year-old off-spinner, who is currently a Rajya Sabha MP, also alluded to the statement of Chopra's mother after the javelin final in Paris.
"Neeraj's mother has given a great statement that even the gold winner (Nadeem) is also son of some mother and he is also like our own son. So it's good to see that type of statement coming and obviously sports is something beyond.
Congratulations to him (Nadeem) for winning the gold and Neeraj, he is our pride, our hero, he is a legend."
Harbhajan said Chopra has been an inspiration for the young generation with his exploits on and off the field.