Hassan Ali, Sania Mirza touched by Chopra, Nadeem’s friendly gesture at Asian Games

India’s Neeraj Chopra made history on August 27 by winning the country’s first gold in javelin throw at the ongoing Asian Games in Indonesia. But what became more viral was his photo with Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem who won bronze in the same event. The duo’s shaking hands after receiving their awards rocked the Internet.

The photo did not escape Pakistani pacer Hassan Ali’s notice and he was over-bowled by the gesture. The 24-year-old cricketer, who recently expressed solidarity with the victims of the Kerala floods, came up with a Twitter post hailing the camaraderie that Chopra and Nadeem showed towards each other.

He tweeted: “sportsmanship, equality, respect and most importantly humanity well done both of you for lovely msg sports always best.”

Ali’s tweet was liked more than 2,000 times and while some fans praised him for the friendly tweet, there were also some usual trolls who came up with their typical India-Pakistan hatred angle. The cricketer had also landed in a controversy a few months ago when he displayed aggressive gestures towards the Indian side at the Wagah border at a flag-lowering ceremony.

Sania Mirza also hails Chopra-Nadeem camaraderie

However, Ali was not the only sportsperson to tweet about the two athletes’ friendly gesture at Asian Games. Ace Indian tennis star Sania Mirza also tweeted about it, saying: “Why I always say SPORT is the best ‘education’ you can provide your child with! Teaches you sportsmanship, equality, respect and most importantly humanity! If only some people can learn this from our champion athletes too!! Well done to @Neeraj_chopra1 on the gold for India.”

Mirza, who is expecting her first child in October along with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, has often been trolled in the past over her loyalty towards her country and love for her husband.

India have won 50 medals at the Asian Games till now, including nine golds, 19 silvers and 22 bronzes and are ranked eighth in the overall table. Pakistan have won three bronzes till now.

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