“My training and hard work have paid off,” said Arshad Nadeem after winning gold and breaking the Olympic javelin record on Thursday.
“When I released the javelin, I felt it leave my hand and sensed it could be an Olympic record, inshallah (God willing),” Nadeem shared.
Nadeem, who defeated defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, secured Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics. Reflecting on his rivalry with Chopra, Nadeem acknowledged its significance. “The rivalry is there, no doubt,” he said. “Like cricket, the javelin rivalry was present! People back home in Pakistan and India were eager to see us compete together.”
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He emphasized that this rivalry is beneficial for both countries. “Rivalry exists in cricket and other sports, but it’s positive for young people in both countries to watch and follow our sport,” he added.
Chopra, who secured the silver medal with a throw of 89.45 meters, agreed that the rivalry could inspire more interest in athletics and javelin. Despite his silver medal, Chopra admitted dissatisfaction with his performance and technique, citing ongoing issues with a groin injury. His throw was his only valid attempt, as he fouled on the other five.
After Chopra’s final attempt failed, Nadeem’s victory was sealed. He knelt and kissed the ground in celebration. Nadeem, who previously finished fifth in Tokyo and took silver at last year’s World Championships, celebrated his new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. This result places him sixth on the all-time list and marks Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medal.
Nadeem expressed aspirations to surpass his current record. “I was expecting to go even further and I am hoping to extend my personal best to over 95 meters,” he said.
Pakistan’s last Olympic medal came in 1992 in Barcelona through its field hockey team, and its last gold medal was in 1984 in field hockey. Nadeem’s achievement represents a monumental milestone in Pakistan’s sporting history.
