December 9, 2025
Karachi’s sports scene came back to life when Arshad Nadeem returned to competition and won gold. His 81.1 metre throw landed with confidence and ended the contest right away.
The throw drew an immediate reaction from the crowd. The arena had been lively from the start, but that attempt clearly changed the tone. Spectators sensed the shift, and the focus tightened even before Arshad Nadeem began his run-up.
Representing WAPDA, Nadeem didn’t ease into the competition. His first competitive attempt landed beyond 81 metres, instantly widening the gulf between him and the field. The scoreboard blinked “81.1”, and he nodded lightly, almost as if checking off a small task.
Behind him, no other athlete came close. Yasir Sultan’s 70.77m earned WAPDA the silver. Pakistan Army’s Abrar followed with a 67.68m effort that secured bronze.
Nadeem entered the 35th National Games already carrying symbolic weight after being named flag bearer, an honour he acknowledged openly. Earlier, the Olympic gold medallist told fans he felt proud to walk with the national flag. Karachi’s crowd welcomed him with loud applause that filled the venue. The ceremony felt both celebratory and reassuring, as if the city had been waiting for his return.
During the opening session, he took a brief ceremonial throw, and the stadium reacted as soon as the javelin landed. Even the officials on stage paused for a moment. It outlined the tone for what was to follow once the actual competition started.
People leaned over railings, phones ready, waiting for another glimpse of the athlete who has reshaped Pakistan’s sporting identity. The vibe fit right into Pakistan athletics news, which has followed Nadeem closely since Paris.
Every time the scoreboard changed, a low buzz moved through the stands. Fans checked their screens, trying to capture the key moments. When the final results confirmed him as the gold medallist, the arena responded instantly.
His performance also sparked fresh discussion about his return to strong form, raising expectations for the months ahead.