Arshad Nadeem pens emotional tribute after claiming historic gold at Paris 2024 Olympics
Arshad Nadeem has etched his name in history by ending Pakistan's four-decade-long wait for an Olympic gold medal. The 27-year-old athlete, hailing from Mian Channu in Punjab, Pakistan, achieved this monumental feat by winning the men's javelin throw title at the Paris Olympics, securing the country's first-ever individual Olympic medal.
Reflecting on his achievement, Arshad expressed deep gratitude on social media.
"First and foremost, I thank Allah Almighty for this immense success. It is the prayers of my parents, the entire nation, and the relentless efforts of my coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, along with the support of Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa, that have enabled me to reach this milestone," Arshad Nadeem wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Arshad's journey to the top is nothing short of inspirational. Born on January 2, 1997, into a financially struggling family, he is the third of seven siblings. His father, a retired construction worker, was the sole breadwinner, making Arshad's ascent in the world of athletics all the more remarkable.
Despite the odds, Arshad's village came together to support his training and travel, pooling funds to ensure he could compete internationally. Arshad repaid their faith and love as he stunned the world with his performance at the Paris Olympics, claiming a historic gold medal with a record 92.27m throw.
Arshad Nadeem racks up two 90m throws in the Paris Olympics
In a fiercely contested javelin final, Arshad Nadeem not only beat defending champion Neeraj Chopra but also set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. He followed it up with yet another 91.70 m in his final attempt. His two 90-plus meter throws, were a rarity in the sport especially when 11 other athletes with six throws each could not breach the mark.
Arshad's rise to prominence has been steady. He clinched a silver medal at the World Championships in 2023 with a throw of 87.82 meters and won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a 90.18m throw, his first over the 90-meter mark. He also finished fifth at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and earned a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.