Nation on cloud nine as Arshad receives gold medal

PARIS/ ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: For the first time in 40 years, Pakistan’s national anthem was echoed loud and clear at the Stadia De France when javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem received his gold medal amid a cheering crowd.

Arshad received his gold medal from Shahid Ali’s Khan, a Pakistan origin International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.

Arshad waved at the crowd and raised his hands in admiration to respond to the cheers of the crowd.

Neeraj Chopra (India) received silver medal and Ander Peterson (Grenada) received bronze.

Arshad threw javelin to a record distance of 92.97m leaving every other thrower far behind.

In the process, he also broke the 16 years old record set by the Norwegians.

“I am proud of my country as representing Pakistan. I have won the gold here. It is indeed one of the brightest moments of my life,” Arshad said.

He thanked the entire nation for prayers and best wishes. “I am really thankful to all the prayers and wishes.”

Arshad along with his coach Salman Butt planned to arrive at the Lahore Airport in the wee hours of Saturday.

Meanwhile, Arshad Nadeem’s winning of a gold medal for Pakistan at the Paris Olympics 2024 after 40 years Friday brought the government and opposition on one platform with an outburst of cheers and applause for the national hero.

The House unanimously adopted a resolution paying tribute to Arshad Nadeem and urging the government to not only confer a civil award on him but also extend all out facilities to the youth in sports.

Minister for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar tabled the resolution with his welcoming remarks for Imam Masjid-e-Nabwi (SAW) Sheikh Dr Salah Bin Muhammad Al-Budair and said it was a blessed day for the nation due to the presence of the Imam.

Paying tribute to Arshad, Tarar said he had set an Olympic world record by throwing the longest ever javelin.

“All parliamentary leaders have demanded that the House should pass a resolution to pay tribute to Arshad Nadeem,” he said.

The resolution said the House felicitated son of the soil Arshad Nadeem for hoisting Pakistan’s flag in Paris Olympics 2024 and securing a gold medal for the nation after four decades.

It also reminded that Arshad Nadeem, a youngster from a humble background, with his continuous struggle, insurmountable resolve and dedication affirmed that hardships could not stop or hinder the path of daughters and sons of the nation from glory.

The resolution also acclaimed the achievements of Arshad Nadeem in the Commonwealth Games, Islamic Solidarity Games and Saarc Games, where he also secured gold medals.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq extended warm felicitations to the whole nation on the marvelous and unprecedented performance of Arshad Nadeem for achieving Pakistan’s first individual gold medal, first track and field medal and being a South Asian for the second time to have a podium finish in track and field.

Expressing his unflinching belief in the potential of Pakistani youth, Tarar said every Pakistani was fully capable of achieving the wonders in all walks of life.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Fazlur Rehman, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and Mustafa Kamal also paid tribute to Arshad Nadeem and called for facilitating the youth in sports so that they excel in the international events.

They said Pakistan was blessed to have such talent and inherent abilities which could lead it on the path of development and prosperity.

They also said Arshad Nadeem had proved that realization of dream hinged on hard work and struggle.

In a separate message, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also felicitated the whole nation on unprecedented performance of Arshad Nadeem.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a reward of Rs10 crore for Arshad Nadeem and construction of a sports city in Mian Channu named after Arshad Nadeem.

The chief minister paid rich tribute to Arshad Nadeem and his coaching staff for breaking the 118-year-old record in javelin throw, and winning gold medal for Pakistan after 40 years.

She said, ”If you believe in yourself, success is guaranteed. Victory is a beautiful thing; to win, you have to lose yourself.”

”The journey from a small village of Mian Channu to the Paris Olympics is very much inspiring and praise-worthy. Making a new Olympic record is a proof of his sincere commitment to the cause. Arshad Nadeem made history and proved his professional superiority by making a “golden throw” of 92.97 meters in the Paris Olympics.”

She further said, ”Arshad Nadeem won a gold medal and gave a gift to the nation on the Independence Day. His hard work, dedication and national spirit are evident.”

In a related development, the Sindh government announced a reward of worth Rs50 million for Arshad Nadeem.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab wrote on his X handle, “Congratulations Arshad. Fortunate to have witnessed this historic moment with the public. Gold medal for Pakistan in Olympics after 40 years. PPP’s Sindh Govt will give Rs5 crore to Arshad Wahab”.

He said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will establish Arshad Nadeem Athletics Academy in the provincial capital, reports INP.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation on Arshad Nadeem’s historic achievement.

The premier said Arshad was a gift to the people of Pakistan marking a proud moment in the nation’s sports history.

He said Arshad Nadeem had become a symbol of national pride and inspiration for the future generations.

In his message, President Zardari lauded Arshad Nadeem for his historic victory at the Paris Olympics declaring him the pride of the entire nation.

The armed forces of Pakistan, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the services chiefs also felicitated the nation on this momentous occasion, as Arshad Nadeem etched his name in the history by becoming the first Pakistani athlete to have secured an individual gold medal for Pakistan at the World Olympics.

In a statement, the ISPR stated that this remarkable achievement was a testament to the athlete’s unwavering dedication, unrelenting perseverance and exemplary hard work serving as a beacon of inspiration for the entire nation.

Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani also showered praise on Arshad Nadeem for bringing honor to the country and said he had made the whole nation proud.

Gilani said that while the Pakistani nation joyously celebrated this grand victory worldwide, Arshad Nadeem stood as a beacon of hope for sports in Pakistan.

“His passion and dedication have not only turned his dreams into a reality but also inspired the new generation to believe that with hard work and dedication, any dream can be achieved,” he remarked.