Arshad Nadeem made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday, defeating defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India. With a massive throw of 92.97 meters, he not only clinched Pakistan’s first Olympic athletic medal but also set a new Olympic record.
Arshad secured the gold medal with his second attempt, launching a 92.97-meter throw. This record-breaking throw was the best in the world this year, and Nadeem celebrated his achievement by raising his arms in triumph. Neeraj Chopra, who had led in the qualifiers and was the favorite to win, struggled during the final. His best throw was 89.45 meters, but it was his only valid attempt as he fouled on his other five tries.
Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal ended a 32-year Olympic medal drought for Pakistan, with his 92.97-meter throw marking the best performance in the country’s 118-year Olympic history. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured the bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters, a redeeming moment for the two-time world champion who had failed to reach the final at the Tokyo Games three years prior.
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Despite not having access to the top facilities and equipment available to athletes in other countries, Nadeem has managed to shift some focus from cricket to athletics in Pakistan. Coming from Mian Channu, a small town in Punjab, Arshad’s journey to Olympic glory has been defined by determination and relentless hard work. Despite limited resources and training facilities, he has become one of the world’s elite javelin throwers.
"Winning a gold medal is a dream come true, not just for me but for every Pakistani," said an emotional Arshad in a post-event interview on Thursday. "I hope this victory inspires the youth of our country to aim high and believe in their potential."
Pakistani celebrities also congratulated Arshad for his historic win. Celebrity couple Hira and Mani expressed their excitement over Arshad’s achievement, with Mani emphasizing the need for Pakistanis to respect sports and sportsmen. Noted host and actor Fahad Mustafa congratulated Pakistan for winning its first-ever individual gold medal, while singer Faakhir Mehmood shared his pride in Arshad’s accomplishment. Actor Mahira Khan praised Arshad’s record-breaking throw on Instagram, and Ushna Shah expressed her joy and admiration for the athlete. Sajal Aly also highlighted the significance of the win, noting that it was Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in 32 years. Comedian Ahmad Ali Butt called for Arshad to be rewarded with a brand-new house, brand deals, and a sports academy, even hinting at a potential biopic.
In a heartwarming gesture, Neeraj Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, praised Arshad, calling him "like a son" and expressing happiness for his gold medal win despite her own son’s silver finish. She even mentioned her intention to cook Arshad’s favorite food as a token of her admiration.
In an exclusive interview with a local channel, Arshad said, "It was my day. I could have thrown it even further." He attributed his success to being in rhythm and feeling confident in his ability to win the gold medal.
The last time Pakistan won an Olympic medal was in 1992 when the national hockey team claimed bronze by defeating the Netherlands 4-3 at the Barcelona Olympics. Following Arshad’s historic victory, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a reward of Rs 100 million for him in recognition of his outstanding achievement.
