Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie invites Arshad Nadeem to team dressing room after Olympic heroics
Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has extended an open invitation to Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem to visit the team dressing room. The athlete created history by winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the javelin throw event. He broke the Olympic record with a 92.97m throw.
Nadeem's triumph marked the first medal for Pakistan at the Olympics since the 1992 Games in Barcelona. He pipped reigning defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India to win the coveted prize.
The whole of Pakistan reveled in Nadeem's triumph, including the national cricket team, who are gearing up for a home series against Bangladesh as part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
"We would love to invite Arshad Nadeem to the dressing room as well. I saw all the Shaheens cheering him on during the Olympics. Having him visit and share his gold medal with the team would be a fantastic boost, especially with the Olympic spirit still in the air. It was a wonderful moment, and we extend an open invitation for him to visit the dressing room," Gillespie said on the PCB Podcast.
The country celebrated Arshad Nadeem upon his return from the Paris Olympics on Saturday, August 10. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) played a huge role in the athlete's success after they sponsored him following initial difficulty in procuring javelins and other amenities for preparation.
"I don’t see it as pressure but as a privilege" - Shan Masood on living up to Arshad Nadeem's exploits
Arshad Nadeem's record-breaking performance has put Pakistan on the sporting map, which their cricketers have failed to do so in recent times. Despite the constant and unwavering support, the Men in Green have faltered across formats, including a humiliating group stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan red-ball skipper Shan Masood recently said Nadeem's achievements are a source of motivation for the cricket team rather than additional pressure.
"Does it put pressure on the team? I don’t see it as pressure but as a privilege. Representing Pakistan is a huge honor, and every day we play is a privilege. We should feel extremely proud and grateful to represent our country. Arshad Nadeem’s success motivates us to seize our opportunity to do something good for Pakistan," Masood said on the PCB Podcast.
Pakistan's home series against Bangladesh consists of two Tests, beginning from August 21 onwards.