When Pakistan’s national sports board was deciding who to support among the seven athletes bound for the Paris Olympics, only Arshad Nadeem and his coach, Salman Butt, were considered worthy of funding.
They were the lucky ones whose air tickets were financed by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). On Thursday night, Arshad Nadeem repaid that faith with a historic performance, winning the country’s first-ever individual gold medal at the Olympics.
Rose Above Cricket To Create History
In a nation where cricket is the king of sports, athletes from other disciplines often find themselves sidelined. Cricket stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and even retired players like Shahid Afridi are household names, celebrated like royalty.
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Meanwhile, athletes like Arshad Nadeem have had to fight for every bit of recognition and support. The difference in treatment is stark. Cricketers enjoy top-notch facilities and widespread admiration, while other sports are often neglected.
Despite the challenges, Arshad Nadeem did the unthinkable. He ended Pakistan’s 32-year Olympic medal drought by winning the gold medal in the javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024.
His throw of 92.97 meters not only secured the gold but also set a new Olympic record, surpassing Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen, who had thrown 90.57 meters in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Overcoming the Odds
For Nadeem, this victory is the culmination of years of quiet struggle and unwavering determination. Born in Khanewal, a village in the Punjab region, Nadeem grew up in a family that often struggled to make ends meet.
His father, a construction worker, was the sole breadwinner for a large family. Food was scarce, and meat was a luxury they could only afford once a year during Eid al-Adha. Nadeem’s older brother, Shahid Azeem, shared with Al Jazeera how difficult those times were.
What makes Nadeem’s achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he once didn’t even have the funds to buy a javelin. His journey to Olympic gold has been paved with countless challenges, but he never gave up.
Nadeem’s rise to the top hasn’t been sudden; he’s been making waves for some time now. He won a silver medal at the World Championships last year and also struck gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 with a throw of 90.18 meters.
Read More: Budapest’s Silver Star: Arshad Nadeem Makes Pakistan Proud
Arshad Nadeem’s victory is a momentous occasion for Pakistan. It’s a reminder that there is more to Pakistani sports than cricket. Nadeem’s success is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes who will look beyond cricket and pursue excellence in other sports.
While cricket will always be close to the hearts of Pakistanis, it’s high time other sports receive the recognition and support they deserve. Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a beacon of hope for the future of sports in Pakistan.
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