Arshad Nadeem made history for Pakistan by winning the country’s first-ever track and field medal at the Olympics, securing gold in the men’s javelin final in Paris. The 27-year-old triumphed over defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India and set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, the best in the world this year.
Chopra, favored to win after leading in qualifiers, struggled in the final and managed only one valid attempt, reaching 89.45 meters. Grenada’s Anderson Peters took bronze with 88.54 meters, redeeming himself after failing to reach the final at the Tokyo Games.
Nadeem’s victory is especially remarkable, as he overcame a knee injury earlier this year and succeeded despite the limited athletics facilities in Pakistan. This achievement also ends a 32-year Olympic medal drought for Pakistan, with their last medal coming from men’s hockey in 1992.
The win sparked widespread celebration across Pakistan. Cricketer Fakhar Zaman expressed national pride, while Nadeem’s former coach, Rasheed Ahmad Saqi, was emotional, calling the victory a “miracle” and a gift to the nation ahead of Independence Day. Saqi had predicted Nadeem would break records and win gold.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Nadeem, stating that he had made the entire nation proud.
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