Gold medal is an Independence Day gift for Pakistan, says Arshad Nadeem
Arshad Nadeem has surely given Pakistan the ultimate Independence Day gift by winning the country's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Competing in the men’s javelin throw final, Nadeem not only clinched gold but also set a new Olympic record with an outstanding throw of 92.97 meters.
In a heartfelt message after his victory, Nadeem said, «First of all, I thank Allah Almighty for this huge success. With the prayers of my parents, the prayers of the entire nation, and especially the tireless effort of my coach Mr. Salman Iqbal Butt and the support of Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa, I have achieved this massive milestone. Thank you all!»
He dedicated his gold medal to the people of Pakistan, saying, «This gold medal is a gift from me to the entire nation on the occasion of Independence Day.»
The 27-year-old athlete overcame a strong field, including India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, who secured silver with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters. The bronze medal went to Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who managed a best throw of 88.54 meters.
After his record-breaking second throw, Nadeem was overwhelmed with emotion, dropping to his knees in disbelief. His achievement marks a monumental moment for Pakistan, which had never before won an individual gold medal at the Olympics. The last time Pakistan won gold at the Games was in 1984, in field hockey.
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