Olympic Games: Sport as a union

In a world where hatred often reigns, a javelin soared where words had failed, uniting hearts across a border long torn by conflict. Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra, two sons of the soil, stood as heroes of their country, their spears of hope piercing the shadows of political discord.

This notion was beautifully exemplified by Saroj Devi, the mother of Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, during the 2024 Paris Olympics. When her son won a silver medal and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem bagged gold, she referred to Nadeem as “our son” too.

Reflecting the same sentiment, Raziah Parveen, Nadeem’s mother, said that she sees Neeraj in the same way as her own son. “He is also like my son. He is Nadeem’s friend and also his brother. Wins and losses are part of sports. May God bless him, may he win medals. They are like brothers, I have also prayed for Neeraj,” Nadeem’s mother said in an interview to a Pakistani channel.

This also served as a poignant reminder of sport’s potential to heal and unite, even in the most divided of times. At the 2024 Olympics, many touching moments have emerged, where athletes, even without winning medals, have won hearts with their gestures of goodwill towards their opponents. A viral selfie with medallists from South Korea, North Korea and China on the podium sends a powerful message: youth, despite global tensions, desire a world at peace.

At the Paris Olympics, Arshad’s golden arm set a new record in the skies, while Neeraj, the defending champion, claimed silver with an indomitable spirit, defying the odds. These men, born from humble roots and small villages, captured the hearts of millions, not only by their athletic feats, but also by the grace of their respect and the silent strength of their mutual admiration.

Their mothers, too, wove threads of unity with words imbued with love, embracing both Arshad and Neeraj as sons of the same land, beyond the lines drawn by men. Their voices conveyed a message that the leaders could not: of peace, of shared pride, of a common humanity.

As history now records their names, the world pauses to witness the beauty of their journey, captured in the poignant images and videos from Mian Channu, Punjab, Arshad’s humble home. In their triumph, a simple truth was revealed: a javelin, thrown with skill and honour, achieved what no leader could: bringing two nations closer together, if only for a moment, in the spirit of the game.

Sport as a bridge between divisions

Sport has historically acted as a platform where rivalries can be set aside in favour of mutual respect and admiration. It has long been a space where national, cultural and political divisions are overcome in favour of camaraderie, mutual respect and shared humanity. This unique ability of sport to transcend differences has been demonstrated time and time again, often leading to moments of reconciliation and understanding that go beyond the field of play.

One of the most significant examples of this occurred at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Iran faced the United States in a match fraught with political tensions given the relations between the two countries. However, the players exchanged flowers and gifts, and the Iranian team posed with the American players for a joint photograph. This moment was not just about football; it was a powerful statement of peace and goodwill, demonstrating how sport can serve as a bridge between nations with a tense history.

Similarly, the “Ping Pong Diplomacy” of the 1970s is another example where sport overcame political barriers. The thawing of relations between the United States and China began with a simple table tennis match, leading to the eventual normalization of diplomatic relations. These examples illustrate the enduring power of sport to bring people together, often when traditional diplomacy fails.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa also stands out as a moment when sport transcended divisions. It was the first time the tournament was held on the African continent, and brought together people from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of both football and African culture. The tournament was a source of immense pride for South Africa and the entire continent, showcasing the power of sport to foster unity and bring global attention to an often overlooked region.

These historical examples underline the potential of sport to act as a bridge across divisions, fostering mutual respect and understanding even in the most challenging circumstances.

Saroj Devi and Parveen’s comments after the javelin event at the Paris 2024 Olympics clearly fit into this tradition of using sport as a means to bridge divides. Their words — acknowledging the achievements of Pakistani and Indian athletes as one would a member of one’s own family — have special significance given the tense history between India and Pakistan. Since Partition in 1947, relations between the two countries have been characterised by conflict and mistrust, with sporting events often becoming arenas of nationalist fervour rather than mutual respect.

However, Saroj Devi and Parveen’s comments defy this trend. By referring to Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra as their “sons,” they were not only expressing sportsmanship but also subtly challenging the narrative that India and Pakistan must always be rivals. This act of motherly affection, directed at youngsters who are technically “rivals,” was a symbolic gesture that has the potential to resonate far beyond the realm of sport.

The role of mothers in changing the narrative

Mothers have set new goals for fathers, goals that signify grace, mutual respect and true sportsmanship. Mothers’ involvement in reshaping narratives in sport is not new. One can recall the time when Odessa Clay, Muhammad Ali’s mother, intervened during one of his most controversial fights.

Known for his brash and defiant nature, Ali was the subject of intense criticism, often leading to heated exchanges. During the “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier in 1971, Odessa reportedly calmed her son before the bout, reminding him that Frazier was someone’s son, too. This motherly wisdom led Ali to approach the fight with greater respect for his opponent, emphasizing the human element that is often lost in the pursuit of victory.

Similarly, when Venus and Serena Williams became rising stars in the tennis world, their mother, Oracene Price, played a crucial role in shaping their attitude towards competition. She often stressed the importance of humility and respect towards their opponents, regardless of the outcome of a match. This upbringing is evident in the grace with which both sisters have handled their victories and defeats over the years, earning the admiration of fans and fellow players alike.

Yvette Prieto, the mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan, played a crucial role in his development as both an athlete and a person. She instilled in him values ​​of hard work, humility, and perseverance. In interviews, Jordan has credited his mother with teaching him the importance of discipline and respect, both on and off the court. Her influence is evident in Jordan’s approach to the game, where he consistently demonstrated sportsmanship and a competitive spirit that made him one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Jelena Djokovic, the mother of tennis champion Novak Djokovic, played a pivotal role in his early development and rise to the top of the tennis world. Growing up in war-torn Serbia, Djokovic faced numerous obstacles, including limited access to training facilities and equipment. Jelena, along with her husband, made significant sacrifices to support Novak’s tennis career, fostering his resilience and mental strength. Her unwavering belief in his abilities helped Djokovic overcome the challenges of the sport, eventually becoming one of the greatest tennis players in history.

Saroj Devi and Parveen’s comments at the Paris Olympics can be seen in this light: the wisdom of a mother reminding us that, at the end of the day, sport is about people, not just countries. Her words suggest that it is possible to admire and celebrate excellence, regardless of the flag under which it is achieved.

Answers on the Internet: A Glimpse of Hope

The response to Saroj Devi and Parveen’s comments on social media was overwhelmingly positive. In an age when online platforms are often hotbeds of polarisation, their words sparked a wave of heartwarming reactions. Many users praised them for their inclusivity and the affection they showed towards Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra. Some even suggested that their gesture could serve as a model for how we should view international relations, particularly between India and Pakistan.

This reaction is indicative of a broader desire for peace and unity, even in contexts traditionally dominated by rivalry. It reflects a longing for moments that transcend political and social divides that often seem insurmountable. In this sense, Saroj Devi and Parveen’s words were not just about sports; they were about the kind of world we all hope to live in: a world where mutual respect and admiration can coexist with competition.

If this perspective is adopted, it could lead to a more positive and constructive sporting relationship between the two nations. It could encourage athletes and fans to see each other not as adversaries, but as participants in a shared passion. In this way, sport could become a platform for dialogue and understanding, rather than another stage for the expression of nationalistic feelings.

Saroj Devi and Parveen’s heartfelt words have provided a powerful example of how sport can transcend borders and bring people together. Their recognition of the achievements of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem as something worth celebrating, and not just tolerating, offers a model for how we might approach international sport and international relations more broadly in the future.

As we reflect on this moment, it is worth considering how sport can continue to play a role in building bridges and fostering mutual global understanding. Whether through the actions of athletes, the wisdom of their parents, or the reactions of fans, sport offers a unique opportunity to bring people together in ways that few other platforms can achieve. Saroj Devi and Parveen’s words have reminded us of this potential, and it is up to all of us to carry this message forward, both on and off the field.

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