After a long time, good news came for us Pakistanis. Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem imprinted his name in Olympic history by winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His remarkable throw of 92.97 meters not only secured the top spot but also set a new Olympic record and ended Pakistan’s 32-year wait for success at the Games.

Arshad became the first track and field athlete from Pakistan to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. He broke the record of 90.57, created by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen in Beijing 2008. Nadeem put body and soul into his second throw, shocked delight rising from the stands when the distance came up: 92.97. His dominance extended beyond the record-breaking throw, as he also produced another impressive distance of 91.79 meters during the event.

Arshad’s win ended Pakistan’s long medal drought at the Olympics. The country had not won a medal since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Even more impressively, it marked Pakistan’s first individual gold medal.

Pakistan had won their last individual medal in 1988 when Hussain Shah secured a bronze in boxing. The country’s first individual medal was a bronze won by Muhammad Bashir in 1960.

Arshad isn’t resting on his laurels. He has already set his sights on achieving the 95-meter mark in future competitions. “I credit my gold medal to my coach for helping me be in top form at the Olympics.”

His journey to gold wasn’t without challenges. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he finished fifth with a best attempt of 84.62 meters. However, his relentless hard work paid off in Paris.

Arshad and Neeraj Chopra have been engaged in a thrilling rivalry. Just last year, the duo went 1-2 as Neeraj bagged gold and Arshad took silver at the World Athletics Championships.

Neeraj secured the silver medal in Paris, but Arshad’s throw was a whopping 3.52 meters better than Neeraj’s best effort.

Despite Neeraj’s overall head-to-head advantage, Arshad’s consistent performance and personal bests have kept the rivalry intense.

Arshad became the first athlete from South Asia to cross the 90-meter mark in javelin throw.

In the initial round, all 12 athletes had three throws each. After these three attempts, the top 8 athletes advanced and were given three more throws. Arshad Nadeem entered the field with a season-best throw of 86.59 meters. Among the final participants, four athletes had better season-best throws than Arshad.

Arshad’s journey to athletic stardom began in his hometown, where his natural talent and relentless dedication to javelin throwing started to shine.

His breakthrough came in 2016 when he won the gold medal at the South Asian Games, setting the stage for a successful career. However, it was his performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that truly elevated his status on the global stage. Arshad not only qualified for the final but also secured fifth place, a historic achievement for Pakistan in javelin throw.

In addition to his Olympic success, Nadeem has excelled in various regional competitions. He clinched gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, showcasing his dominance and consistency in the sport.

Arshad’s achievements are particularly significant for Pakistan, a country with a limited track record in athletics. His success has not only inspired a new generation of athletes but has also brought greater visibility to the sport within the country. Arshad’s hard work and achievements continue to make him a revered figure in Pakistani sports, embodying the potential and spirit of the nation’s athletic aspirations.

The entire nation rallied behind Arshad, offering prayers and support for his success. From athletes to artists, actors, and politicians, everyone wished for Arshad to raise Pakistan’s green and white flag high.

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, expressed her happiness over Arshad Nadeem winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Saroj Devi, in an interview with Indian media, said: “Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal is like a gold for us.”

She said that Arshad is also “my son.”

Arshad’s gold medal win is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of his coach. As he aims for even greater distances, the world eagerly awaits his next throw on the international stage.