WATCH: Arshad Nadeem Receives Historic Gold Medal at Paris Olympics 2024

Pakistan’s javelin sensation, Arshad Nadeem, made history on Friday as he received his gold medal during a grand presentation ceremony at the Paris Olympics 2024. The ceremony took place in the picturesque setting of Champions Park, nestled near the iconic Eiffel Tower in the heart of the French capital.

Arshad Nadeem’s achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. With a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters in the javelin final, he not only secured Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medal but also set a new Olympic record. This triumph has etched his name in the annals of sports history, ending a 32-year-long medal drought for Pakistan at the Olympics.

A Spectacular Comeback

The road to victory wasn’t without its challenges. In the first round of the final, Arshad struggled to make a mark, faltering in his initial attempt. However, demonstrating the resilience and determination of a true champion, he made a stunning recovery with his second throw, achieving an astounding 92.97 meters. This throw surpassed the previous Olympic record held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen, who had thrown 90.57 meters during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Global Recognition and Rivalry

Arshad’s extraordinary performance has brought immense pride to Pakistan and also ignited a healthy rivalry on the global stage. India’s Neeraj Chopra, who was defending his Olympic title, secured the silver medal with a throw of 89.45 meters. However, Chopra faced challenges throughout the competition, with all his other attempts marked as “No Throw.” Grenada’s Anderson Peters completed the podium, taking home the bronze medal with a throw of 88.54 meters.

Celebrating National Pride

In the aftermath of his historic win, Arshad Nadeem expressed his joy and confidence. Speaking to the media, he shared his anticipation of winning the gold medal, revealing that he had felt in rhythm and knew that the day belonged to him. He also expressed his hope to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 with the gold medal, emphasizing the significance of this victory not only for himself but for the entire nation.

Unprecedented Recognition and Rewards

Arshad Nadeem’s victory has been met with widespread celebration and recognition across Pakistan. The Punjab government quickly announced a reward of Rs100 million for the star athlete in acknowledgment of his historic achievement. Similarly, the Sindh government followed suit, pledging an additional Rs50 million to honor Nadeem’s remarkable feat.

In a further testament to his impact, the National Assembly (NA) of Pakistan unanimously passed a resolution to confer a civil award upon Arshad Nadeem. The resolution, presented during a session of the NA, lauded Nadeem’s exceptional performance in the javelin throw event and recommended that President Asif Ali Zardari bestow a civil award upon him as recognition of his outstanding accomplishment.

A Legacy in the Making

Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s sporting history. His success is not just a personal triumph but a source of immense national pride. As he returns home, he is not only celebrated as an Olympic champion but also as an inspiration to countless young athletes across the country. His journey, marked by perseverance, dedication, and unparalleled skill, has set a new standard for excellence in Pakistani sports and will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for greatness on the global stage.