Arshad Nadeem emerged as a global sensation by winning Pakistan’s first gold in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics on Thursday night, setting a new record at the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
The 27-year-old carried a monstrous 92.97 meters throw - longest ever in Olympics’ history - in his second attempt of the 12-man javelin throw final at Stade de France to win the first ever gold in athletics for Pakistan.
Arshad broke the Olympic record of Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway who had managed a throw of 90.57 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“It’s an amazing feeling … to win Olympic gold,” Arshad said after the event. “I was aiming to go deep but still I am happy with my effort which (has) gifted me the gold at this stage.”
The athlete added that it was an “Independence Day gift for the country”. This was Pakistan’s first ever gold in the Olympics in individual sports and fourth overall. The last time Pakistan bagged a gold was 40 years ago in men’s hockey at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Arshad’s victory has put an end to Pakistan’s 32-year long drought of Olympic medals that last won a bronze in men’s hockey at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
The Pakistani javelin star beat India’s Neeraj Chopra who failed to defend his title, finishing with silver with his season’s best throw of 89.45 meters. This was the first time since 2016 that Arshad defeated his rival and good friend Chopra.
India's Neeraj Chopra during men's javelin throw final at Paris Olympics on Thursday Reuters
On the other hand, two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada won bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters.
Arshad was seen in sublime form by setting such a huge target at the start which proved too tough for his opponents at a gripping finale. Even his last throw went for 91.79 meters, showing he broke the previous Olympic record not once but twice.
Arshad’s younger brother Mohammad Aleem was happy with his sibling’s achievement.
“I was very close to him and he was determined to do this and he did it,” he told Nukta from Mian Channu. “We, the entire family, are too happy.”
Talking to Nukta, Arshad’s former coach Fayyaz Bukhari said the athlete will continue to shine. “It was a huge throw and an Olympic record,” he said. “He (Arshad) will now work harder and will do well again in the Los Angeles Olympics.”
Canada-based Pakistan’s star karate player and former Asian champion Saadi Abbas also paid tribute to Arshad. “Thanks Arshad for the glory. I also congratulate those who supported him,” the 35-year-old said in a video message recorded exclusively for Nukta.
Multiple financial rewards were announced for Arshad after his Olympic victory. As per state’s set policy, Arshad will get PKR 10 million. Additionally, Sindh’s government announced PKR 50 million for the star athlete, while the Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced PKR 2 million separately.
