Neeraj Chopra had advocated for support as Arshad Nadeem struggled to acquire new javelin
Paris: In a much awaited Olympic final, Neeraj Chopra of India and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan made history on the javelin throw podium. While Chopra secured a silver medal, the spotlight was on Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, winning Pakistan's first-ever individual gold medal at the Olympics. India’s Neeraj Chopra, who won silver, had a throw of 89.45 meters, his season best.
However, in March 2024, just five months before this remarkable achievement, Nadeem was struggling to acquire a new javelin. He was using the same one for nearly eight years. Despite his stature in the sport, the lack of proper equipment threatened to undermine his Olympic ambitions.
Neeraj Chopra had back then stepped in and made a heartfelt plea for support, highlighting the importance of providing top athletes like Nadeem with the necessary equipment to compete at the highest level.
Chopra's appeal highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two athletes, even as they prepared to compete at the highest level.
Chopra's silver medal, though an improvement on his qualification throw, was not enough to surpass Nadeem's astonishing feat, marking the first time the Indian star lost to Nadeem in their ten encounters.
The event will be remembered not just for the fierce competition but also for the sportsmanship that both the athletes have showcased.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
