The warmth between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, two exceptional athletes who have captured the world’s attention with their javelin throw skills, resonates deeply within the shared cultural fabric of Punjab. This story, which has captivated the rest of India, is seen through a different lens in Punjab, where the ties between the two athletes are viewed as natural and inevitable rather than extraordinary. The relationship between Neeraj and Arshad is not merely a product of their shared sport; it is rooted in a common heritage that transcends borders.
Punjab, a region divided by the Partition of 1947, carries a unique perspective on the division that created India and Pakistan. This division, though politically and geographically significant, did little to sever the deep cultural and emotional bonds between the people on either side of the border. The connection between Punjabis in India and Pakistan is akin to that of Bengalis with Bangladesh—a relationship built on a shared history, language, and traditions that have persisted despite the political divide.
Haryana, where Neeraj Chopra hails from, was part of undivided Punjab until 1966. The cities of Ambala and Rohtak, now in Haryana, were as much a part of Punjab as Lahore and Ludhiana. This historical context explains why Neeraj and Arshad, despite representing two different nations, would naturally gravitate towards each other. Their bond is not just a matter of shared athletic pursuits; it is a reflection of the cultural ties that bind them.
In the world of sports, where competition often fosters rivalries, the camaraderie between Neeraj and Arshad stands out. They have more in common with each other than with their fellow athletes from Grenada, Europe, or the United States. Their mutual respect, warm interactions, and the evident bond they share are not anomalies; they are the expected outcomes of their shared Punjabi heritage. The idea that these two athletes, who come from different countries but the same cultural background, would embrace, laugh, and speak warmly of each other is not surprising—it is the most natural thing in the world.
This connection extends beyond the athletes themselves. It is also evident in the way their families perceive each other. Arshad Nadeem’s mother, Raziah Parveen, expressed her prayers not only for her son but also for Neeraj, referring to him as “also like our son.” Similarly, Neeraj’s mother, Saroj Devi, echoed these sentiments, saying that both the gold and silver medalists were “our children.” This shared sense of kinship is deeply rooted in the Punjabi ethos, where the bonds of community and culture often outweigh the boundaries of nationality.
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My own understanding of this Punjabi connection deepened during a visit to Lahore in 1980. It was my first time crossing the border, and I initially saw Pakistan as a foreign country. However, upon arriving in Lahore, I quickly realized that while the country was foreign, the people were not. There was an immediate sense of familiarity and kinship.
During a dinner at Salloos, a restaurant in the old WAPDA building, I found myself as the only guest. What could have been a lonely experience turned into a memorable evening when the staff, upon learning that I was a Punjabi from India, eagerly engaged with me. They not only took it upon themselves to ensure I enjoyed the best food but also asked me questions that revealed their deep connection to India. They inquired about specific places in Jullunder, expressed a desire to meet Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, and wanted to know more about Indira Gandhi. Their enthusiasm was a reflection of the enduring connection to the land their parents once called home.
Despite the passage of time and the many changes that have occurred since Partition, the Punjabi connection remains strong. The pre-Partition generation may have passed away, and political divides may have deepened, but the cultural ties that bind Punjabis on both sides of the border are as robust as ever. We continue to look alike, speak the same language, enjoy similar cuisine, and even share the same manner of cursing. The only real difference is the religion and a line on a map drawn by the British.
The story of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem is a reminder of the enduring power of shared culture and history. It is a testament to the fact that, despite political divisions, the bonds of heritage and community continue to bring people together. In a world where differences are often highlighted, the warmth between these two athletes serves as a powerful reminder of the connections that unite us.
