In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem captured the gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea. His final throw of 86.40m secured the top podium spot, placing him just short of the championship record of 86.72m.
Event Rundown and Competitors
The men’s javelin final was a closely contested affair. India’s Sachin Yadav finished second with 85.16m, while Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama clinched the bronze at 83.75m. Early competition leader Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka slipped to fourth with 83.27m.
Pakistan’s Yasir Sultan managed a best throw of 75.39m, placing eighth overall.
Arshad Nadeem’s Path to Victory
Nadeem’s opening throws of 75.64m and 76.80m hinted at a slow start. However, his third attempt of 85.57m shifted the momentum firmly in his favour. Consistent throws of 83.99m and 83.44m followed before he unleashed a sensational final throw of 86.40m, affirming his dominance.
The stadium echoed with “Dil Dil Pakistan” as fans celebrated his victory.
Legacy of Arshad Nadeem
This latest win adds to Nadeem’s remarkable year. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he made headlines by surpassing the 90-meter mark, setting a new benchmark and earning him the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. His historic throw ranks as the sixth-longest in global javelin history.
Response from Leadership
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Nadeem’s dedication and hard work. Both leaders noted his victory not only uplifts national pride but also inspires young athletes across the country.
In interviews following his gold medal achievement, Nadeem candidly shared that while government awards have reached him, pledges from private organizations remain incomplete—an issue yet to be resolved.
