rshad Nadeem’s gold medal was exactly what the country needed, just in time for our 77^th Independence Day. Not just because we occasionally need a shot of patriotism stronger than our morning chai, or because our cricket dreams were bowled out faster than a TikTok trend after that US debacle. It’s more than that — it’s a story that will be told for generations, reminding us that sometimes we can still hit it out of the park.

Some might call it nothing short of a miracle — his victory against all odds. Who doesn’t love a good rags-to-riches story? But think about it: Arshad Nadeem is not just ‘the best’ in the world right now; he’s set a standard that will be talked about for years. Breaking the Olympic record is a feat that fills us with immense pride. Arshad Nadeem’s triumph is something for the nation to celebrate, but it also begs a pressing question: “What’s your excuse?”

Ask anyone how they’re doing, and you’ll likely hear a common thing: a burning desire to leave the country. Why? Because they feel their growth is stifled here. I’m not denying the challenges we face or the harsh realities of recent times — hope has been stolen from many. No one leaves their homeland happily; most would stay if circumstances were better. But Arshad Nadeem’s story tells a different tale. Despite all odds, he has single-handedly shown the country that if you want to be a Powerpuff girl/ boy, you need these three ingredients: hard work, determination and perseverance. No chemical X was needed (so stop looking for that).

It’s very easy to blame the country or conditions for your stagnation. Arshad Nadeem could’ve done the same. His determination has shattered all the excuses that many cling to so dearly on the path to success.

It’s very easy to blame the country or conditions for your stagnation. Arshad Nadeem could’ve done the same. His determination has shattered all the excuses that many cling to so dearly on the path to success.

You don’t need the perfect opportunity, the perfect life or the perfect background to make things happen for yourself. Show this reality to anyone and they would scare easily. Why? Because it’s easy to blame your circumstances than answer the question, “What could I have done better?” There are no shortcuts to success. Anyone who has ever moved abroad and succeeded had a better incubated environment, but ask them and they’ll tell you it didn’t come easy.

The truth is clear as day: success has no elevator; you have to take the stairs. The only way to sail towards your dreams is by steering with determination, rowing with hard work, navigating with consistency, and, of course, trusting that the winds will carry you forward. That’s what sets some nations apart from ours. The moment the majority of us shift our focus from why things aren’t working to how we can make them work, we’ll start moving forward and craft a success story just like Arshad Nadeem’s.

The key lesson from his gold medal is that if a man from a small town can work hard enough to stand among the world’s top athletes and emerge victorious, then there’s no excuse left for any of us not to strive for greatness.

Shaafay Zia is an ex-serviceman and a freelancer. He can be reached at shaafayzia@gmail.com