Arshad Nadeem ended Pakistan’s 50-year gold medal drought at the Asian Athletics Championships by winning the men’s javelin throw on Saturday.
His final throw of 86.40 meters earned him the top spot, beating India’s Sachin Yadav, who threw 85.16m, and Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama with 83.75m.
This victory is historic as Pakistan hadn’t won a gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships since 1973, when Allah Dada and Muhammad Younis won golds in javelin throw and 800m respectively.
Nadeem’s latest achievement adds to his impressive track record, including a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he set an Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m — becoming Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medalist.
His consistent performances have brought immense pride to Pakistan and raised the country’s profile in international athletics.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both congratulated Nadeem for his outstanding success, celebrating how his achievements continue to inspire the nation.
