Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s top javelin thrower, made history on Aug. 27 by becoming the first Pakistani athlete to secure a medal at the World Athletics Championships.
Arshad Nadeem’s triumphant moment arrived on his third javelin attempt at the Championships, a smile spreading across his face as the javelin touched down.
With a remarkable throw of 87.82 meters, he rose from sixth to claim the second spot in the javelin throw final. The reigning Olympic champion from India, Neeraj Chopra, held the lead with a mighty throw of 88.17 meters on his second attempt.
Throughout the subsequent throws, Arshad strived to bridge the gap of 35 centimeters, seeking to replicate his astonishing 90.18-meter achievement that earned him gold at the Commonwealth Games the previous year. While his efforts fell short, Arshad etched his name into history in the Hungarian capital, securing Pakistan’s inaugural medal in the biennial track and field spectacle.
This accomplishment serves as a testament to his potential to end Pakistan’s extended Olympic medal drought in the upcoming Paris Games.
Arshad’s performance
His initial throw reached a height but not the distance, recording a 74.80-meter mark, insufficient for a top-eight placement. However, Arshad demonstrated his resilience, progressively enhancing his throws. His second attempt marked 82.81 meters, briefly elevating him to fourth place, ultimately finishing the round in sixth.
With his third throw, Arshad climbed the points table into the fight for gold, trailing only behind Chopra. The field, reduced to eight contestants after the initial rounds, played catch-up. Arshad’s fourth attempt marked 87.15 meters, and despite a foul in the fifth round, he held onto his silver position. In a thrilling showdown against India’s golden athlete, Arshad’s final throw reached 81.86 meters, sealing his place in history and Pakistan’s first athletics medal.
Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi congratulate Arshad
Pakistan’s star pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf congratulated Arshad Nadeem for winning silver at the World Athletics Championship on Sunday in Budapest, Hungary.
“Arshad, congratulations on winning the medal,” said Shaheen. “It’s a proud moment for Pakistan. You deserve all the recognition. I congratulate you on this incredible achievement,” Haris praised.
Challenging Journey
Arshad’s journey is even more inspiring considering this marked his first international appearance in a year. Following surgeries on his elbow and knee post his triumph at the Islamic Games, he diligently underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation program. His prowess resurfaced in the qualifying round with an 86.79-meter throw, yet his finest performance emerged during the final, despite a less-than-ideal start.
