PARIS:
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra’s first and second finishes at the Paris Olympics javelin throw event open up endless possibilities for improving diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Pakistani Ambassador H.E Asim Iftikhar Ahmad hosted the Mian Chunnu-based athlete at the Paris Embassy on Friday after he received his gold medal at the medal ceremony at Stade de France for creating a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 on Thursday night.
The ambassador believes an environment of camaraderie and peace is created by the close bonding of Arshad and Neeraj which can be instrumental in improving relations between India and Pakistan.
He talked to this correspondent after the dinner and celebratory ceremony where Arshad generously gave his time to the Pakistani community that showed up for him at the embassy.
Mr Asim spoke to the media and later made a point to have selfies and pictures with the fans who were ecstatic to see him in person.
A poem was also recited in Arshad’s honour and in praise of his parents.
“First of all, yes it is a historic occasion so I am lucky as an ambassador to be here at this moment, and so is everyone who has been here,” he said while exclusively talking to this correspondent about the possibility of javelin-diplomacy now after the long era of cricket-diplomacy.
Read also: National pride Arshad Nadeem welcomed home in Mian Channu after hero’s reception in Lahore
“These were historic games which also marked 100-year centenary of the Paris Olympics, and for Pakistan particularly,” said the ambassador.
“Forty years since the last gold medal, 32 since the previous medal, the first Olympic medal as an individual, the new javelin Olympic record and so much more. So well and truly history has been made and we are witness to this and are very happy.”
Referring to the Arshad-Neeraj camaraderie, the Pakistani ambassador said he was asked this question about Arshad’s relationship and sporting rivalry with Neeraj in the India-Pakistan context.
“We know what Arshad has been saying earlier, that they are friends and brothers and even their great mothers are saying the same heart-warming things which is great to see and people are massively relating to it.”
So what are the possibilities of using this bonding to promote diplomacy?
“I’m not going to venture into that because there are so many other factors involved in that, but at least this environment is created by these two brilliant athletes who are not only fierce competitors but they have a very good relationship,” said H.E Asim Iftikhar.
Read: Indian PM Modi reacts to Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic victory
“Both the athletes are hoping that their friendship transcends the barriers, so it is good in that sense. And I think there is a whole lot of hope that is generated because these feelings, goodwill go beyond the javelin events and the competitions. So let’s see how it works.”
Mr Asim also reflected on the spirit of the Olympic Games and observed that people from both sides of India-Pakistan border have been cheering for both Arshad and Neeraj.
He also spoke about the Olympic Games going a long way in uplifting Paris as a city. “The Olympic Athletes Village has been built in an underprivileged area and the measures taken to make the Games environmentally sustainable are amazing.”
Later, Arshad Nadeem, his coach Salman Butt, Pakistan Olympic Association President, Chef de Mission, and sprinter Faiqa Riaz, left the venue in order to prepare for the departure from Paris early in the morning.
The ambassador was pictured with Arshad at the airport.
The night has been most valuable for the children and youth at the event. They seemed to be very receptive to Arshad’s feat and felt that for Pakistanis everywhere it was a huge moment.
