Buffalos are also gifted in our region: Neeraj Chopra on friend Arshad Nadeem’s unique gift from father-in-law

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic triumph has made waves not only for his historic gold medal in the Paris Summer Games but also for the unique gift he received—a buffalo from his father-in-law. Days after Arshad became Pakistan’s first track and field athlete to clinch an Olympic gold, the 27-year-old was rolled out a red-carpet welcome back home and has been accorded several high-level ceremonies.

But what has caught the attention of fans on social media is how his father-in-law gifted him a buffalo for his record-breaking feat at the Paris Olympics. However, his long-time friend and one of the fiercest on-field rivals, Neeraj Chopra, felt it was a common practice back home to be given things like desi ghee, tractor and bullet, when asked if he had received any such unique gifts after his gold medal feat three years ago.

“I was gifted desi ghee once. Back home in Haryana also we get things like these as gifts: 10 kilo desi ghee or 50 kilos of desi ghee. Or ladoos. There are promises made: ‘If Neeraj wins this competition, I’ll give him 50 kgs of ghee.’ I would hear these things being said since I was kid, this was when circle kabaddi and wrestling were really popular,” Neeraj said during a virtual interaction organised by JSW.

“Ghee is gifted because we believe that it helps increase strength, which we need in our sport. Buffalos are also gifted in our region. Wrestlers and kabaddi players are also gifted things like Bullet motorbikes or tractors,” Chopra added.

Neeraj Chopra impressed by youngsters’ attitude in Paris

Neeraj Chopra, whose second-placed finish in men’s javelin throw provided the silver lining to India’s underwhelming campaign in Paris, was impressed by the fight that young athletes showed, although India fell a medal short of matching the tally of the previous edition in Tokyo (seven medals).

Chopra, whose season-best throw of 89.45m fetched him the silver medal, commended the resilience and competitive edge shown by the Indian athletes while competing against the best in the world.

“Our athletes put in commendable performances in Paris. The younger athletes, such as Lakshya Sen and Nishant Dev, displayed a clear sense of purpose, which is promising for our future,” said Neeraj while expressed regret that the absence of a medal from wrestler Vinesh Phogat meant India missed matching the Tokyo medal count.

“Although we didn’t secure as many medals as in Tokyo, there were more fourth-place finishes than before. Had Vinesh won a medal, our tally could have matched Tokyo’s. Overall, the performance was commendable, and if we maintain this fighting spirit, we can convert these fourth-place finishes into medals,” he added.

During the interaction, Chopra also confirmed his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22, and has therefore returned to Switzerland to resume his training. He also revealed his plans to return to India at the end of September to decide on potential surgery for a lingering groin injury.

“The Paris Olympics went well despite my injury, so I opted to complete the season before seeking medical advice. I’ll consult with my doctor about my groin issue once I return to India,” Chopra stated.

In a recent social media post, Chopra shared a video of his training with a medicine ball at the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport in Magglingen. He humorously noted his mother’s concerns about his rigorous training, saying:

“My mother sometimes worries when she sees these videos and tells me to take it easy. But I tell her if I ease up, others will surpass me in competition,” he chuckled.