Arshad smashes record to lift gold in Paris Olympics

By AZ Khan
PARIS: Pakistan’s premier javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem on Thursday night emerged as a super star when he lifted a historic gold in the Paris Olympics, also setting a new record of the world’s most prestigious event.
Arshad managed a 92.97 m throw, his personal best, in his second attempt of the 12-man javelin throw final to win the first ever gold in athletics and a gold for the nation in Olympics after long 40 years since hockey last time won gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
He also broke the Olympic record of Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway who had managed a throw of 90.57 metres at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
This was Pakistan’s first ever gold in Olympics in individual sports and a medal at this stage after long 32 years since the nation lifted bronze in men’s hockey in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
“I was aiming to go deep but still I am happy with my effort which gifted me the gold at this stage,” Arshad said after his super show.
This was the first time since 2016 when Arshad beat India’s Neeraj Chopra who failed to defend his title, finishing with silver with his season’s best effort of 89.45m.
Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada won bronze with a throw of 88.54m.
Arshad was seen in sublime form. He set such a huge target at the start which proved too tough for his opponents at a gripping finale. Even his last throw was 91.79m and it showed his sublime feelings which are very important for delivery at the biggest stage.
Arshad’s younger brother Mohammad Aleem was happy with Arshad’s achievement.
“I was very close to him and he was determined to do this and he did it. We the entire family is too happy,” Aleem told nukta.com from Mian Channu.
Arshad’s former coach Fayyaz Bukhari said it was a great throw.
“It was a huge throw and Olympic record. He will now work more harder and will do well again in the Los Angeles Olympics,” Fayyaz told this correspondent.
Canada-based Pakistan’s star karateka and former Asian champion Saadi Abbas also paid tribute to Arshad.
“Thanks Arshad for the glory. I also congratulate those who supported him,” Saadi said in a video message he recorded exclusively for nukta.com.
As per state’s set policy Arshad will get Rs10m. Sindh’s government announced Rs50m for the star. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced Rs2million.
Arshad does not have any financial issue. In his initial days he passed through such issues but when he started featuring in international circuit he did not face any such issue. He serves WAPDA in Grade-18.