The entire Pakistani nation erupted in jubilation last night over Arshad Nadeem's 92.97-metre javelin throw in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Pakistan's 40-year Olympic gold medal drought has ended with the javelin thrower's achievement, despite his long struggle to get the necessary facilities, equipment and training that the sport demands.
With this achievement, Nadeem beat his former opponent, Indian Neeraj Chopra, who came second in the competition and received the silver medal. Regardless of the rivalry in the game, both javelin throwers have a close bond.
This historic throw has put the Pakistani athlete in sixth place on the list of the best javelin throwers of all time. Czech Jan Zelezny occupies the top spot on the list with the world record of 98.48 metres, achieved in 1996.
Considering that the best Olympic throw was 90.57, achieved by the Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Current and former Pakistani sports personalities have heaped praise on Nadeem for this historic feat.
Below are messages from some of them:
