Neeraj Chopra, one of India’s most celebrated javelin throwers, expressed his enthusiasm about the India-Pakistan rivalry in javelin and how it is significantly enhancing the visibility and popularity of the sport across the globe. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Neeraj spoke about the electrifying impact that this rivalry could have if javelin events between India and Pakistan were to be widely broadcasted in both countries. With the immense following of cricket, football, and other sports in these nations, Neeraj believes that javelin could experience a surge in viewership and recognition due to the mass appeal of their rivalry. "The population in both countries is enormous. If these competitions are broadcast, the viewership will naturally be massive. It’s not only good for javelin, but it will also be incredibly beneficial for the entire sport on the Asian continent and beyond," Neeraj said.
Their thrilling competition reached a historic climax at the Paris Olympics 2024, where Neeraj and his Pakistani counterpart, Arshad Nadeem, finished in the top two spots in the men’s javelin final. The significance of this achievement lies not only in the intense competition between the two but also in the fact that, for the first time in Olympic history, no European athlete made it to the top three in the men’s javelin event. This result was symbolic of the globalization of the sport, which was traditionally dominated by European throwers. Neeraj was quick to praise his opponent, acknowledging that while Arshad had always been a strong competitor, his remarkable performance in Paris surprised many in the athletics world.
Neeraj emphasized that javelin throwers experience varying levels of success depending on their preparation, timing, and physical condition. Reflecting on Arshad’s achievement, Neeraj said, “Arshad has always thrown well, but the distance he reached in Paris was unexpected for everyone. A javelin player has his good days, and it was Arshad’s best day. His technique and throw were spot on. He was well-prepared, having trained in South Africa. In general, athletes tend to perform better at the start of the season, and that was certainly the case for Arshad. His season started just a month before the Olympics with the Diamond League, which showed his good form."
As the rivalry between Neeraj and Arshad continues to grow, Neeraj believes it can do wonders for the sport by attracting more fans, particularly in India and Pakistan, where athletics are gaining attention. "This India vs Pakistan rivalry has taken javelin to a different level. It adds fuel to the fire and creates a sense of excitement that can't be replicated. If the sport gets the kind of television coverage it deserves, the massive populations of both countries will naturally lead to a huge viewership. It will help grow the sport not just within our countries but across the world," Neeraj added, acknowledging that this intense competition adds a unique spark to the sport’s overall appeal.
In addition to the India-Pakistan rivalry, Neeraj also reflected on the broader shift in the world of javelin. He pointed out that the Paris Olympics marked the first time that non-European athletes dominated the medal podium in the men’s and women’s javelin competitions. For the women’s event, Haruka Kitaguchi of Japan claimed the gold medal, while in the men’s event, the battle for supremacy was between Neeraj and Arshad. This global shift in dominance is a positive development for the sport, according to Neeraj. "Javelin used to be seen as a European-dominated sport, but now it has truly become a world sport, with athletes from different continents making their mark. This is great for the sport and will encourage more countries to take javelin seriously, helping it expand in regions where it was once not as popular."
The continued success and growing rivalry between Neeraj and Arshad are setting the stage for an exciting future in javelin throw, as more fans from around the world tune in to witness their extraordinary performances. Neeraj expressed his hope that this rivalry will inspire the next generation of athletes in Asia and other continents, propelling javelin throw to new heights. With the passion of their fans behind them and the increasing global appeal of the sport, Neeraj believes that the future of javelin is bright, not only in India and Pakistan but across the world.
As both Neeraj and Arshad continue to break records and achieve new milestones in their careers, their rivalry will undoubtedly remain one of the most exciting and talked-about stories in the world of athletics. It has the potential to redefine javelin throw as one of the most captivating sports globally, drawing in viewers from all corners of the world who want to witness the fierce competition between two of the best javelin throwers in the world.
