TOKYO – Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem bowed out of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after the fourth round of throws but won hearts once again with his humility and grace.
In a heartfelt note shared on X, Arshad thanked his supporters for standing by him.
“Dear Pakistanis, I want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support and love throughout the World Athletics Championships,” he wrote. “Although I couldn’t achieve the result I had hoped for in the final, I am proud to have represented our nation on the biggest stage… I promise to come back stronger and work even harder to make you proud.”
His message sparked an outpouring of encouragement from fans. “Still proud of you. InshaAllah you will come back stronger,” one user commented, while another called him a true inspiration: “Regardless of today’s result, what he has done for Pakistan is unmatched.” Many reminded him that he remains a national hero, with one fan writing: “Chin up champ! You are and always will be the hero of the nation.”
Arshad revealed he had been carrying an injury since July 4, which affected his preparation and fitness. “Despite this challenge, I gave it my all, and I appreciate the experience,” he said. “Thank you for believing in me and supporting me on this journey. I will keep pushing myself to achieve greatness, not just for myself, but for our nation.”
The setback comes after Arshad’s historic triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won gold and set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 metres, surpassing the previous mark of 90.57 metres.
With his resilience and the unwavering support of his fans, Pakistan’s golden boy is determined to rise again and continue bringing pride to the nation.