After a long time a good news came from Pakistan sports in Olympics when javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem imprinted his name in Olympic history by winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His remarkable throw of 92.97 meters not only secured the top spot but also set a new Olympic record and ended Pakistan’s 32-year wait for success at the Games.
Arshad have entered this ¬competition as the underdog, perhaps with a ¬little less of the name recognition of his Indian rival Neeraj Chopra, but he wrote his name in the stars in the Stade de France to become the first track and field athlete from Pakistan to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games.
The previous record of 90.57, held by ¬Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen since Bejing 2008, Nadeem put body and soul into his second throw, shocked delight rising from the stands when the distance came up: 92.97. Notably, this throw also established a new Asian javelin throw record. His dominance also extended beyond the record-breaking throw, as he also produced another impressive distance of 91.79 meters during the event.
The 27-year-old, Arshad Nadeem’s win ended Pakistan’s long medal drought at the Olympics. The country had not won a medal since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Even more impressively, it marked Pakistan’s first individual gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Prior to this, Pakistan won its last individual medal in 1988 when Shah Hussain Shah secured a bronze in boxing. The country’s first individual medal was a bronze won by Muhammad Bashir in 1960.
Arshad Nadeem isn’t resting on his laurels. He has already set his sights on achieving the 95-meter mark in future competitions. In his own words, “I credit my gold medal to my coach for helping me be in top form at the Olympics.” His journey to gold wasn’t without challenges. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he finished fifth with a best attempt of 84.62 meters. However, his relentless hard work paid off in Paris.
Pakistan-India rivalry that Nadeem and Chopra have kept alive over the years. They have been engaged in a thrilling rivalry in the javelin throw event.
Just last year, the duo went 1-2 as Chopra bagged gold and Nadeem took home silver at the World Athletics Championships.
Neeraj secured the silver medal in Paris, but Arshad’s throw was a whopping 3.52 meters better than Neeraj’s best effort.
Despite Neeraj’s overall head-to-head advantage, Arshad’s consistent performance and personal bests have kept the rivalry intense.
Arshad Nadeem became the first athlete from South Asia to cross the 90-meter mark in javelin throw.
In the initial round, all 12 athletes had three throws each. After these three attempts, the top 8 athletes advanced and were given three more throws. Arshad Nadeem entered the field with a season-best throw of 86.59 meters. Among the final participants, four athletes had better season-best throws than Arshad.
Arshad Nadeem, born on November 2, 1997, in Mian Channu, Punjab, has become a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence for his country.
Nadeem’s journey to athletic stardom began in his hometown, where his natural talent and relentless dedication to javelin throwing started to shine.
His breakthrough came in 2016 when he won the gold medal at the South Asian Games, setting the stage for a successful career. However, it was his performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that truly elevated his status on the global stage. Nadeem not only qualified for the final but also secured fifth place, a historic achievement for Pakistan in javelin throw.
In addition to his Olympic success, Nadeem has excelled in various regional and international competitions. He clinched gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, showcasing his dominance and consistency in the sport. His personal best throw of 90.18 meters, achieved in 2021, ranks him among the top javelin throwers globally, reflecting his technical skill and physical prowess.
Nadeem’s achievements are particularly significant for Pakistan, a country with a limited track record in athletics. His success has not only inspired a new generation of athletes but has also brought greater visibility to the sport within the country. Arshad Nadeem’s hard work, and achievements continue to make him a revered figure in Pakistani sports, embodying the potential and spirit of the nation’s athletic aspirations.
The entire nation rallied behind Arshad Nadeem, offering prayers and support for his success. From athletes to artists, actors, and politicians, everyone wished for Arshad to raise Pakistan’s green and white flag high.
Not only in Pakistan, Indian media also praised Arshad Nadeem’s performance. Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, expressed her happiness over Arshad Nadeem winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Saroj Devi, in an interview with Indian media, said that we are proud of Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal is like a gold for us.
She said that Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal, and he is also my son. Everyone works hard to reach that level. Sun Devi commented on Neeraj Chopra’s first throw being a foul, saying that it’s okay; this is all part of the game.
Arshad gold medal win not only celebrates his individual achievement but also brings pride to Pakistan and inspires future generations of athletes.
Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal win is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of his coach. As he aims for even greater distances, the world eagerly awaits his next throw on the international stage.
