Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan and Silver medalist Neeraj Chopra celebrate after the men’s javelin throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Paris. (Photo: PTI)
Remember August 2021? It was a different time, and what seemed like a different country and society. The pandemic still loomed large, the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemed invincible — both electorally and in the broader society, in which the form of exclusivist nationalism they champion seemed the new normal. Every victory was a victory for “New India”, every defeat a conspiracy. And, for a moment, it seemed that even an unprecedented success at the Olympics — a celebration of excellence and internationalism, as much as national pride — would be tainted by jingoism. But a then 23-year-old showed this country that it can be better than its worst tendencies.
Neeraj Chopra had just won a gold medal in the javelin at the Tokyo Olympics. It was the first Indian medal in a track and field event, and the understated elegance of young Neeraj was visible even to people who did not follow the sport. In the aftermath, in the excitement and sheer high of the moment, Neeraj casually mentioned in an interview that Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s prodigy in the event, had accidentally picked up his javelin. “Bhai give this javelin to me! I have to throw with it,” Neeraj had said to his friend and comrade. After the win, he also expressed regret: It would have been ideal, Neeraj said, if the two had been on the podium together.
There are no prizes for guessing which of the two statements drew the attention of the troll army. Nadeem was accused of trying to sabotage India, and the usual Pakistan-bashing, with barely disguised — if at all — bigotry against Indian Muslims poured out on social and electronic media. Fortunately, Neeraj Chopra — at a time when the powerful sought to equate chest-thumping celebrations and hatred with patriotism — stood by his friend. “ I would request everyone to please not use me and my comments as a medium to further your vested interests and propaganda. Sports teaches us to be together and united. I’m extremely disappointed to see some of the reactions from the public on my recent comments,” he said.
Cut to 2024. In Paris, Neeraj’s wish came true, though it was likely somewhat bittersweet. His friend — they have been competing, meeting, and likely chilling at meets across the world for most of their sporting careers — set an Olympic record and won the gold. He himself got the silver. But as Neeraj’s mother said to the media, “We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold is also my child.”
In an ideal world, this simple sense of decency, friendship and love should be par for the course. Neeraj and Arshad are the same age (the latter just a year older), they share a language and a passion. But they are a misaal, a beacon of friendship and loyalty, because of the cruelties of history and geopolitics that drew an artificial line that divided communities in Bengal and Punjab. As elections approach in several important states, we can be sure that some form of divisiveness will rear its ugly head again.
At that moment, let’s remember the Jai-Veeru of athletics, their families and the fact that even if India came second, South Asia came first.
aakash.joshi@expressindia.com
