Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has once again brought glory to the nation by clinching the gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championship held in Gumi, South Korea. With an impressive final throw of 86.40m, Nadeem narrowly missed breaking the championship record of 86.72m.
Highlights of the Event
The competition saw India’s Sachin Yadav take the silver medal with a notable 85.16m throw, while Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama secured bronze at 83.75m. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who was an early contender, missed the podium with a final effort of 83.27m.
Early Struggles and Final Triumph
Nadeem began his series cautiously, recording 75.64m and 76.80m in his initial attempts. However, he quickly found his rhythm, delivering a strong 85.57m throw to take the lead in his third attempt. Two more powerful throws of 83.99m and 83.44m followed before his final, commanding throw of 86.40m sealed his victory.
The stadium erupted with chants of “Dil Dil Pakistan”, showcasing the immense support for Nadeem’s remarkable feat.
Recent Olympic Success and National Recognition
Arshad Nadeem’s success comes shortly after his outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he stunned the world with a javelin throw that surpassed 90 meters—the sixth-longest throw ever recorded globally. His Olympic triumph earned him the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, and a hero’s welcome upon his return.
The federal and provincial governments, along with private organizations, announced numerous cash rewards for the champion. However, Nadeem recently revealed that while some promised awards were delivered, those pledged by private entities remain pending.
National Leaders Extend Congratulations
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif offered their heartfelt congratulations to Nadeem for his victory in Gumi. In their statements, they highlighted his exceptional contribution to Pakistan’s sporting reputation and his inspiring journey that sets a precedent for young athletes.