‘To stand on the podium with a neighbour for the first time…’: Pakani javelin thrower Yasir Muhammad talks about Indo-Pak rivalry

Pakan’s javelin thrower Yasir Muhammad won the bronze medal with his career-best throw of 79.93 meters at Asian Athletics Championship 2023. However, it was the competition with India’s DP Manu ( who won the silver medal ) that brought out the best from the two athletes.
“To stand on the podium with a neighbour for the first time was wonderful. The competition between us made us better, there’s some natural competition as we are from neighbouring countries,” Yasir was quoted as saying NNIS.
“DP Manu was third before he came up with his best throw. It was more fun that both of us stood on the podium,” crew after his bronze medal,” he added.
When asked about his flowing mane that has similarities with Neeraj Chopra, Yasir Muhammad said, “Neeraj Chopra is my favourite, I take inspiration from him because he won the Olympic gold, a first for someone from this part of the world, but the hair is of my own liking. Arshad Nadeem is of course my hero because he was the first from south Asia to cross the 90m mark.

EXCLUSIVE 🎥
ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023
💥On his personal best💥On Neeraj Chopra💥On Arshad Nadeem (The first ever athlete from South Asia to breach the 90m mark)
Interview of Pakan’s Javelin Thrower Yasir Muhammad. #AsianAthleticsChampionships #JavelinThrow pic.twitter.com/o9Ils6rvgi
— nnis (@nnis_sports) July 16, 2023
Meanwhile, the Indian track and field contingent capped off a fruitful Asian Athletics Championships campaign with 27 medals and finished third overall in the continental event.