ISLAMABAD – Arshad Nadeem made history for Pakistan by winning gold in the javelin throw at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea, ending the nation’s 52-year gold medal drought. He credited his victory to the prayers of his parents and the unwavering support of the Pakistani people.
Nadeem outperformed India’s Sachin, who took silver, while Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama secured bronze with a throw of 83.75 meters. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga came fourth with 83.27 meters, and Pakistan’s second participant, Muhammad Yasir, placed eighth with a throw of 75.39 meters.
In a video message, Nadeem called the medal a blessing from Allah and thanked his coach Salman Butt for his constant support. “This gold is the result of our joint hard work and the nation’s prayers,” he said. The victory marks Nadeem’s first international medal since his Olympic gold in Paris last year.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Nadeem for bringing international honor to Pakistan. Zardari said the entire nation is proud of his performance, while Sharif highlighted Nadeem’s journey as a source of inspiration for young athletes across the country.
Pakistan last won gold at the Asian Athletics Championships in 1973 when Allah Daad won the javelin throw and Muhammad Younis triumphed in the 800-meter race. Nadeem’s recent success restores national pride and places Pakistan back in the spotlight of Asian athletics.
After returning to Lahore on Sunday night, Nadeem will head to England to begin preparations for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September. With renewed momentum, he continues to aim high for future global victories.