Showbiz stars, politicians back Arshad Nadeem for Olympic triumph

Politicians, showbiz stars, and sports personalities have all come together to rally behind Pakistan's star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem as he prepares to participate in the final of the javel throw event in the Paris Olympics 2024.

The 27-year-old Olympian is the only Pakistani who is still in the race for the medal as the six other athletes part of the Pakistani contingent are no longer in the medals' contention.

Nadeem had qualified for the final, set to be played on Thursday (tomorrow) at 11:25pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), after launching a massive throw exceeding the 84-metre minimum qualifying mark.

With a little over 24 hours left, Pakistanis from various walks of lives of the society have rallied together to back the javelin thrower to bring back the gold.

In a video message, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the country looks toward Nadeem to win the first Olympics medal for Pakistan since 1992.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman remarked that the whole nation is praying for Nadeem's success in the Olympics.

It is to be noted that the star javelin thrower had won a silver medal at the World Championship last year meanwhile in the Commonwealth Games 2022, he won the gold medal, becoming the first Pakistani athlete since 1962 to win gold at the competition, with a massive throw that covered 90.18m distance.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Khurram Sher Zaman conveyed his best wishes to the Olympian and hoped that he would win gold for the country.

However, the Olympic frenzy isn't limited to politicians and showbiz stars have also jumped on the bandwagon to express their support for Nadeem.

"[Arshad] Nadeem is doing wonders in the Olympics. He is our only hope [to win a medal]. I wish him all the best," said actor Fahad Mustafa.

Congratulating the javelin thrower on reaching the finals, actor and model Mehwish Hayat said: "We are super proud, you've got us all buzzing with excitement."

"We are all glued to our screens and cheering you on. All of Pakistan is cheering you on. As you step on the field on August 8, remember that the entire nation is behind you [...] lets bring that medal home. Good luck Arshad," Hayat said in a video message.

Nida Dar, captain of Pakistan's women's cricket team, is also rooting for Nadeem, who is spearheading Pakistan's campaign for an Olympic gold medal. Dar felicitated him for landing in the finals, gushing about the javelin ace's talent, which she said he proved before the world in a great way.

"The entire nation is praying for you. You will succeed, Insha-Allah! We hope that you will bring gold to Pakistan," she added.

Famous singer and social activist Shehzad Roy said: "Nadeem has made a big achievement by securing a berth in the Olympics' final round. I want to thank you for what you do for the happiness of Pakistanis."

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar also expressed pleasure over the athlete's feat, saying: "Arshad Nadeem, well done, very well. You have brought Pakistan into the spotlight, and you will go even further tomorrow."

Praying for his success in the final round, Sattar said that the entire nation was standing behind Nadeem.

Joining the chorus of well-wishers, Pakistani tennis player Meheq Khokhar exuded confidence that Nadeem would bring home the gold and wished him the best of luck for the final.

Fatima Ansari, a national women's football player, also sent best wishes to Nadeem and prayed for his success at the Olympics.

Babar Azam, captain of Pakistan’s men's cricket team, also showered praise on the javelin star. In a video message, Babar expressed hope that Nadeem would break the country's medal drought at the Olympics.

"I wish him good luck. I request everyone to support and pray he wins the final. Chak De Phatte Arshad Nadeem," he said.

Others who also recorded their video messages for Nadeem include singer Faakhir Mehmood, veteran actor Sajid Hasan along with various sports personalities with the likes of Shah Hussain Shah, Sadaf Siddiqui, footballer Nadia Khan, hockey players and ex-Olympians Imran Butt and Shakeel Abbasi.