Arshad Nadeem: The Star Of Olympic Javelin Throw

Arshad Nadeem has ended Pakistan’s medal drought. On 8th August, the 27-year-old won a gold medal in Paris 2024 Olympics Javelin Throw final with his 92.97m throw. 

The resident of Mian Chunnu was seen shedding tears of joy after achieving this marvelous feat. 

Nadeem’s gold medal is the first gold medal to be won by the country in 3 decades. Moreover, Arshad Nadeem is the only Pakistani athlete to qualify and win an Olympic gold medal amongst the seven athletes that flew to Paris for the mega event. 

Arshad didn’t only win a gold medal, but he also created a new Men’s Javelin Throw record. His 92.97m throw has surpassed previous record-holder Neeraj Chopra’s 89.94m throw.

This feat will definitely go down in the Olympics’ as well as Pakistan’s history. 

Arshad broke the previous Olympic javelin throw record of 90.57m set by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway at Beijing 2008. The mark also set a new Asian javelin throw record.

Winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics was Arshad’s target, and now that he has achieved it, he has set his sights on another milestone. 

“I was expecting and hoping to even go further but ultimately, I am content with 92.97m as it allowed me to win the gold,” he said after winning the gold medal in the final. “But I will continue working harder to extend this throw to over 95m.”

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Arshad Nadeem finished fifth in the men’s javelin throw event with a best attempt of 84.62m. In comparison, he had three throws over the 88m mark in Paris, including two over 90m.

The Pakistani people were more thrilled by Arshad’s victory because he broke the record of Neeraj Chopra, India’s best javelin thrower. 

“The rivalry was there, no doubt about that. People in each country were eager to see us both throw the javelin and beat each other. I am very happy to see Neeraj win the silver medal,” said Arshad.

Although Neeraj has a 9-1 head-to-head advantage in the rivalry, Arshad Nadeem has a better personal best, having now crossed the 90m-mark thrice.

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