by Deji Ogeyingbo
Arshad Nadeem’s story could signal the start of a brave new era for athletics in Pakistan
Some stories need to be told very often. In an age where so many issues get drowned in the mud of needless innuendos and outlets, it’s important to always make it a point of call to keep telling the ones that will continue to inspire generations to come.
The Paris Olympics have come and gone, and undoubtedly, it had a far-reaching impact on the nooks and crannies of all the continents of the world. From villages to cities, countryside to towns, some of these Olympians have sowed seeds of possibilities in the minds of the average person. Some even brought peace to their cities.
Arshad Nadeem is one of such athlete.
Where do we begin with his story? The fact he didn’t get the grandeur of Noah Lyles or even a generational athlete like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Nadeem’s javelin throw of 92.97m at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics made him a national hero in Pakistan, a country where cricket reigns supreme. His extraordinary achievement in a sport often overshadowed has inspired millions and sparked newfound interest in javelin throwing and track and field events across the country.
Just two weeks after breaking the record at Stade de France, Nadeem became a household name. The government gave him nearly $900,000 in prize money, alongside a car with the registration number PAK 92.97, symbolizing his historic throw. He was honored at a special reception by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and invited to hoist the national flag during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on August 14. Simply put, he came home a hero.
Nadeem’s success has stirred immense pride in a nation obsessed with cricket. His gold medal is Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic gold, a feat that some have called the country’s most significant sporting moment in its 77-year history. Indeed, his performance has inspired young athletes, with videos flooding social media of boys and girls mimicking his javelin throw using makeshift spears.
Despite all the buzz surrounding Nadeem’s win, which has invariably sparked a renewed interest in the sport, there are fears that public and media interest might eventually revert to cricket, the country’s dominant sport.
Nadeem’s rise to stardom wasn’t easy. Born in Mian Channu, a small village in the Khanewal district of Punjab, Nadeem grew up in a humble household with seven siblings. His father, a mason, was the sole breadwinner, and Nadeem’s early athletic journey was full of challenges. As his father shared in a recent interview, the entire village pooled money to support his training in the early days. Despite limited resources, Nadeem’s natural talent, along with the support of his family and local community, helped him emerge as a javelin star.
Nadeem’s passion for athletics was sparked by his brothers, who encouraged him to try sports like the discus throw and javelin in school. His potential was first spotted by his mentor and coach, Rasheed Ahmed Saqi, a local sports scout, when Nadeem was just 14 years old.
His international journey began at the 2016 South Asian Games in India, where he secured a bronze medal with a throw of 78.33m. His performance continued to improve, and in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Nadeem finished fifth with an impressive throw of 84.62m. Although he missed the podium, his remarkable improvement was evident.
The Commonwealth Games in 2022 saw Nadeem achieve his career-best throw of 90.18 meters, earning him a gold medal. A year later, at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, he won silver with a throw of 87.82 meters, coming close to India’s Neeraj Chopra, another Javelin star from India. His persistence ultimately paid off in Paris, where he made history with his Olympic gold and record-breaking throw.
Despite his talent and achievements, Nadeem has often had to overcome the lack of support from the Pakistani government in his training. But his Olympic gold led to a wave of rewards. In addition to nearly $900,000 from various government officials, he was given two cars, including a Honda Civic with the symbolic license plate bearing his javelin distance. There were also lifetime supplies of fuel, a new apartment, and a buffalo from his father-in-law, a gift steeped in cultural significance in rural Punjab.
Nadeem’s success is more than just a sporting triumph for his nation, it has the power to inspire a nation to look beyond cricket and support other athletes who have the potential to achieve greatness. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and hope in the face of numerous challenges. The adage “fortune favors the brave” rings true in Nadeem’s case, as his determination and hard work have paved the way for a brighter future for Pakistani athletics.
In a country of 241 million people, where cricket has long dominated, Nadeem’s Olympic gold offers a glimpse of what can be achieved when other sports receive attention and investment. Beyond the glitz and glamour, this potentially could be the start of something good for the Nation.
