A tweet by Athletics Federation of India congratulating Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem on winning a gold medal in the South Asian Games, has gone viral on Twitter in India and Pakistan.
Nadeem won the men's javelin throw event with an effort of 86.48m followed by India's Shivpal Singh (84.43m) who bagged the silver. Nedeem also qualified for the 2020 Olympics as he went past the qualifying mark of 85m.
on December 7, congratulating Nadeem for both the feats @afiindia tweeted: "Congrats #ArshadNadeem, javelin star of #Pakistan for winning gold at #SAGames2019 with a throw of 86.48m (PB & New Pakistani record). Qualified for #Tokyo2020 Olympics, first Pakistani athlete in decades to earn direct qualification."
The tweet quickly won hearts with tweeps from India and Pakistan saying that this is how both countries should behave in all matters, with mutual respect.
Tweep @sa_cubes posted: "This is how India and Pakistan should compete - fierce competition but mutual respect. Thank you @afiindia, you've won the internet today."
And, @ItsSabaZainab wrote: “The best thing on internet today. This is actually message of love and peace.”
India won the most number of medals in athletics in the South Asian Games but finished second behind Sri Lanka in gold count as the track and field competitions ended on Saturday.
According to news18.com, India, which sent a second rung team 75 athletes, won 12 gold, 20 silver and 15 bronze for a total of 47 medals. Sri Lanka bagged 34 medals but won 14 gold, along with 12 silver and 8 bronze. Indian athletes did not win any gold on Saturday while bagging eight medals, meanwhile, Sri Lanka won five.
