ISLAMABAD: Top Pakistani government and military officials celebrated Arshad Nadeem’s historic achievement on Friday after he clinched the gold medal in men’s javelin at the Olympics.
Nadeem defeated defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, becoming the first Pakistani track and field athlete to win gold at the Olympic Games.
Nadeem’s winning throw of 92.97 meters, which broke the Olympic record, also placed him sixth on the all-time list. His victory marks Pakistan’s first Olympic medal since 1992, when the men’s hockey team won bronze in Barcelona.
The last gold medal for Pakistan was secured by the men’s field hockey team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Nadeem is the first individual Pakistani athlete to win gold and the first since Hussain Shah’s bronze in boxing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
With his record-setting throw, Nadeem became only the fourth athlete in history to exceed the 90-meter mark in the men’s javelin at the Olympics. He also made history as the first Pakistani to reach the final of any track and field event at the Olympics.
In a video message posted after his win, Nadeem expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank God first of all, and my parents for their prayers, and the entire Pakistani nation for their support. God has honored me with this gold medal.”
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their heartfelt congratulations to Nadeem and the nation. President Zardari described Nadeem’s achievement as a victory for the entire country. PM Sharif praised Nadeem’s exceptional performance and historic record, calling it a gift to the nation and a symbol of national pride and inspiration.
The Pakistan Army, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the three services chiefs, also congratulated Nadeem, hailing his dedication and hard work. They praised his triumph as a testament to Pakistani talent and determination on the global stage.
