Nadeem’s gold boosts POA repute at Paris 2024

The historic gold from Arshad Nadeem at the Paris Olympics had boosted Pakistan’s contingent prestige unprecedentedly during the recently concluded Games.

An official of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) said that they used to go to the desk of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) every day but started getting attention only after Nadeem’s victory.

“When Arshad won the gold, everyone at the desk congratulated me,” the official told Nukta. “The security personnel also used to congratulate us. We were also congratulated by National Olympic Committee officials from around the world at breakfast as well as at dinner.”

Nadeem broke the Olympic record in men’s javelin final by managing a throw of 92.97 meters to win Pakistan its first gold in individual sports. The country last won a gold 40 years ago in men’s hockey in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

“Arshad raised our heads with pride and we will not forget this thing,” the POA official said. “The IOC president was also so happy that NOC Pakistan responded so well to the IOC scholarships. Now, we will secure his (Nadeem’s) scholarship for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”

Nadeem was invited to Islamabad for a dinner at the Prime Minister House on Tuesday. The athlete was also accorded a grand welcome upon his return to Pakistan. The airline carrying him received a water cannon salute in his honor with people swarming at the Lahore airport waiting to get just a glimpse of the national hero.

The Pakistani javelin ace had defeated India’s Neeraj Chopra, who was defending the men’s gold at the Paris Games. Chopra ended up securing the silver with a throw of 89.45 meters.

The POA official said that they were congratulated by neighboring country India’s contingent as well.

“Officials of India NOC also took pictures with us,” he said. “It was sensational as whenever we used to go we were congratulated on the achievement.”