Arshad Nadeem came home to a hero’s welcome. He won Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics. Thousands cheered for him as he arrived on Sunday. His plane got a water cannon salute. His family and fans met him in Lahore. His father put a garland around his neck. People chanted,
“Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!”
Arshad won gold in javelin. He beat Neeraj Chopra from India. His throw was 92.97 meters. This was an Olympic record. He did this on Thursday in Paris. His throw was the sixth best ever.
Arshad’s story inspires many. Pakistan struggles with problems. Yet, Arshad gives hope to our youth. He grew up in a poor village. His house was made of mud bricks. As a child, he trained in wheat fields. He made his own javelins.
Mohammad Farooq came from Sargodha to cheer for Arshad. He said,
“I came to welcome our hero. Pakistan is happy after 40 years. It’s even better with Aug. 14, our Independence Day.”
President Asif Ali Zardari gave Arshad a big honor. Arshad will get the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. This is Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award. Arshad thanked everyone. He said,
“I thank God, my parents, and Pakistan. My coach Salman Butt and I worked very hard.”
Arshad Nadeem’s Gold Medal: A Push for Improved Support in Pakistan
Arshad Nadeem showed his talent long ago. He needed more help from his society and government. He did well in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He was the first Pakistani to reach the final in track and field. Pakistan should have supported him more, but they didn’t. Yet, Arshad Nadeem kept impressing everyone.
After his fifth-place finish in Tokyo, he won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He was the first South Asian to throw over 90 meters. He had a serious elbow injury but still won a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. He was just behind his friend and rival, India’s Neeraj Chopra.
A knee injury slowed his preparation for the Paris Olympics. After surgery in February, he worked hard and surpassed Chopra this time. Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra have changed the game. They have raised the status of athletics in their countries. Neeraj won gold in Tokyo. Arshad won gold in Paris. But their treatment by authorities is different.
Chopra gets strong support from the Indian government. Arshad Nadeem faced many challenges due to lack of support. The Pakistan Sports Board claims to support him. But Nadeem’s struggle shows their support is not enough. The reality is sad. Pakistan does not realize how much more they need to do.
Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal is more than just a win. It is a call to action for Pakistan. They need to support and nurture their athletes better. Nadeem’s victory shows what can be achieved with proper support. His success is an inspiration to athletes in Pakistan and everywhere else.
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