A turning point for Pakistan’s athletic future

On August 8, 2024, Arshad Nadeem made history by winning Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medal in athletics with a record-breaking javelin throw that kept the viewers in awe. It was beyond anyone’s imagination. This monumental achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished through determination and adequate support. However, it also raises an important question: How can Pakistan build on this success to ensure it is not a one-time event? The answer lies in government-backed athletic training programs that can transform Pakistan into a powerhouse in athletics and other individual sports.

Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal is a source of immense national pride, but it also highlights the glaring gaps in Pakistan’s sports infrastructure. Before his victory, Pakistan’s presence on the global athletics stage was minimal, with the country primarily known for its prowess in cricket and field hockey. Despite a population of over 240 million, Pakistan had previously won only ten Olympic medals, all in team sports except for a bronze in wrestling (1948) and boxing (1988). The last Olympic medal before Arshad’s gold was a hockey bronze in 1992, and the last gold was in 1984. This long-standing record reflects the urgent need for a systematic approach to nurturing talent in sports beyond cricket and hockey.

Arshad Nadeem’s journey to Olympic glory is nothing short of inspirational. Born in Mian Channu, a small town in Punjab, Arshad’s rise to the pinnacle of world athletics was marked by sheer determination and an unyielding work ethic. He began his career with minimal resources, training with outdated equipment and receiving limited coaching. Despite these challenges, his natural talent and perseverance shone through. His early successes in regional competitions quickly earned him recognition, and he soon became a beacon of hope for Pakistan’s athletics community.

In the years leading up to the 2024 Olympics, Arshad Nadeem faced numerous hurdles, including injuries and limited access to top-tier training facilities. However, his unwavering dedication saw him continue to improve, setting new records and winning medals in international competitions. His victory in Paris not only made him the first Pakistani to win an Olympic gold in athletics but also brought immense pride to a nation that had not seen an Olympic medal in over two decades.

Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal holds tremendous significance for Pakistan’s sports landscape. It has ignited national pride and inspired countless young athletes across the country. For a nation that has long struggled to make a mark at the Olympics, this victory demonstrates what can be achieved with the right support. However, it also underscores the pressing need for substantial reforms in Pakistan’s sports infrastructure and athletic training programs.

Currently, the state of athletic training programs in Pakistan is dire. The country suffers from limited funding, inadequate resources, and a lack of modern infrastructure. Most athletes, like Arshad Nadeem, have to train in subpar conditions, with outdated equipment and minimal access to quality coaching. The few facilities that do exist are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural athletes with little to no opportunities to develop their skills. The lack of a structured talent identification program further exacerbates the issue, as many talented individuals remain undiscovered and unsupported.

In contrast, countries with high Olympic medal counts have invested heavily in sports development, establishing comprehensive training programs that nurture talent from a young age. China, for instance, has implemented the “National Team Training Program,” which plays a critical role in the country’s dominance at the Olympics. This program is designed to identify and develop athletes from the school level, providing them with access to world-class facilities, coaching, and medical support. In 2020 alone, China allocated $1.4 billion to sports development, reflecting the government’s commitment to excellence in athletics.

Similarly, the United States has the “Olympic Development Program” (ODP), which is instrumental in scouting and nurturing young talent across a wide range of sports. The ODP focuses on providing athletes with access to top-tier coaching, nutrition, and sports science, ensuring they reach their full potential. The USA’s success is also bolstered by its robust college sports system, which offers scholarships to talented athletes, allowing them to train at state-of-the-art facilities while pursuing their education. In 2020, the USA allocated $2.5 billion to sports programs and talent development initiatives.

Japan, another top performer at the Olympics, has implemented its “Sports Development Program,” which emphasises the importance of early talent identification and intensive training. Japan’s program is supported by substantial government funding and focuses on developing athletes through specialised sports academies and training centers. The program also includes collaborations with international coaches and experts, bringing in the latest techniques and technologies to enhance athlete performance.

These countries’ success stories highlight the importance of comprehensive sports development strategies. For Pakistan to replicate this success and produce more Olympic champions like Arshad Nadeem, it must adopt similar strategies and significantly increase investment in sports infrastructure and training programs. The government should establish a National Sports Development Fund dedicated to supporting the construction of modern training facilities, particularly in rural areas, and the development of a nationwide talent identification program. This program should be modeled after China’s “National Team Training Program,” focusing on scouting young athletes from schools and providing them with specialised training and resources.

Additionally, Pakistan must invest in the training and development of coaches and sports scientists to ensure athletes receive the best possible guidance. Establishing partnerships with international sports organisations and experts will bring in the latest training techniques and technologies, elevating the standard of athletics in the country. Moreover, increasing funding for sports programs across various disciplines-not just cricket-will ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to excel.

Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic gold medal win is a moment of immense pride for Pakistan, but it should also serve as a wake-up call. The government must recognise the untapped potential within the nation’s youth and take immediate action to nurture this talent for the future.