Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A friendship that should inspire unity in India.
As elections approach in several important states, we can anticipate that divisiveness will likely resurface, as it often does during these times. When that moment arrives, it’s crucial to remember the inspiring bond between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem. Their friendship, transcending borders and religious differences, serves as a powerful reminder of what true sportsmanship and humanity look like. Instead of allowing ourselves to be divided, we should draw strength from their example, embracing unity and mutual respect. Their story is a beacon of hope, showing that our shared humanity is far more important than any divisive agenda.
Remember August 2021? It was a time of uncertainty and paradoxes, a moment in history when the world seemed to be shifting under our feet. The pandemic was still a major force, reshaping lives and societies across the globe. In India, the political landscape appeared monolithic, with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi commanding not just electoral dominance but also the broader narrative of society. Their brand of exclusivist nationalism was fast becoming the accepted norm, celebrated by some and feared by others. In this atmosphere, victories were not just victories; they were claimed as triumphs of a new ideological order, while defeats were often dismissed as the result of conspiracies against the nation’s rise.
It was against this backdrop that an unprecedented success at the Olympics threatened to be overshadowed by the same jingoistic fervor. The Tokyo Olympics were supposed to be a celebration of excellence, a stage where the best of humanity competed in the spirit of internationalism. Yet, even this global event risked being tainted by the nationalism that was becoming so pervasive back home.
Enter Neeraj Chopra, a then 23-year-old who had just made history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in a track and field event. His victory in the javelin throw was not just a personal triumph; it was a moment of immense pride for the entire nation. Neeraj’s understated elegance and humility endeared him to millions, even to those who had never followed the sport before. But it wasn’t just his athletic prowess that made Neeraj stand out. It was his response to the events that followed his victory that truly set him apart.
In the euphoria that followed his win, Neeraj gave an interview where he casually mentioned an incident involving Arshad Nadeem, a Pakistani athlete and a prodigy in the javelin throw. Neeraj recounted how Arshad had accidentally picked up his javelin during the competition. “Bhai, give this javelin to me! I have to throw with it,” Neeraj had said to his friend and fellow competitor. His tone was light, his words a reflection of the camaraderie that often exists among athletes who share the same passion and respect for each other’s talents.
However, what was a simple, friendly exchange between two athletes was quickly seized upon by some as an opportunity to stoke animosity. Nadeem, who had done nothing more than pick up the wrong javelin in a moment of distraction, was accused of trying to sabotage India’s chances. The usual rhetoric of Pakistan-bashing, often laced with barely disguised bigotry against Indian Muslims, began to flood social and electronic media.
In that charged atmosphere, it would have been easy for Neeraj to remain silent, to let the situation unfold without his intervention. But instead, he chose to take a stand. At a time when the powerful were equating chest-thumping nationalism with patriotism, Neeraj made it clear that he would not be a pawn in their game.
Neeraj’s words were a powerful reminder that sports, at its best, transcends borders and politics. It brings people together, fostering friendships that defy the artificial boundaries imposed by history and geopolitics. His friendship with Arshad Nadeem was a testament to this ideal, a shining example of what it means to be not just a great athlete, but a great human being.
Fast forward to 2024. The world has changed in many ways, but the friendship between Neeraj and Arshad has only grown stronger. At the Paris Olympics, Neeraj’s wish from three years ago finally came true, though with a bittersweet twist. This time, it was Arshad who stood at the top of the podium, having set an Olympic record and won the gold medal. Neeraj, ever gracious, was right there beside him with a silver. When asked about the result, Neeraj’s mother summed it up beautifully: “We are happy with the silver. The one who got the gold is also my child.”
In an ideal world, this simple act of decency, this display of friendship and mutual respect, would be unremarkable. Neeraj and Arshad are contemporaries, born just a year apart. They share a language, a passion for their sport, and a bond that has been forged through years of competition and camaraderie. But in a world where the divisions of the past continue to cast long shadows, their friendship is nothing short of extraordinary.
The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 drew a line that separated not just two nations, but communities, families, and friendships. In regions like Bengal and Punjab, where the line cut through the heart of cultural and linguistic unity, the wounds of that division are still felt today. Against this backdrop, the friendship between Neeraj and Arshad stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that the ties that bind us are stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.
As we approach another round of elections in several important states, it’s almost certain that divisiveness will rear its ugly head once again. Political parties and leaders will likely exploit communal and regional differences, seeking to gain an advantage by turning people against each other. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember the example set by Neeraj and Arshad. Their friendship, forged in the crucible of competition but tempered by mutual respect and affection, shows us that there is a better way.
Instead of falling prey to the narratives of hatred and division, we should look to their example for inspiration. We should strive to be better, to rise above our worst tendencies and embrace the values of decency, friendship, and love. Neeraj and Arshad have shown us that it is possible to find common ground even in the most unlikely places, that the bonds of humanity can transcend the boundaries of nation and religion.
In the end, the story of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem is not just a tale of athletic achievement. It is a story about the power of friendship to overcome the barriers that divide us. It is a reminder that, no matter how dark the times may seem, there is always hope for a better, more united future. And as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead, both on and off the field, we would do well to keep their example in mind.