The roar of “Dil Dil Pakistan” echoed through Gumi’s stadium as Arshad Nadeem Asian Athletics Javelin throw, Pakistan’s javelin superstar, scripted another historic chapter in his golden career. In a dramatic final that saw him climb from fifth to first, the Olympic champion unleashed an 86.40m monster throw on his last attempt to claim gold at the Asian Athletics Championships – Pakistan’s first in over half a century.
The victory didn’t come easy for the 28-year-old phenom. Struggling initially with throws of 75.64m and 76.80m, Nadeem found himself trailing Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga before his third attempt (85.57m) catapulted him to the top. “This was typical Arshad drama,” his coach Salman Butt told. “With proper rest between heats and finals, he’d have broken the championship record (86.72m).”
The win marks Arshad Nadeem javelin throw triumphant return to international competition after his Paris 2024 heroics where he set the Olympic record (92.97m). His latest gold adds to an already staggering collection – four golds, one silver and four bronzes across Olympics, Commonwealth and Asian Games.
While India’s Sachin Yadav (85.16m) and Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama (83.75m) claimed silver and bronze respectively, the spotlight remained firmly on Nadeem. Pakistani fans in the stadium waved flags as their hero performed his trademark sajda in gratitude. Back home in Mian Channu, celebrations erupted with drum beats and sweet distributions.
The victory holds special significance – it’s Pakistan’s first Asian athletics gold since 1973 when Allah Dada and Muhammad Younis won in javelin and 800m. Nadeem continues rewriting history as Pakistan’s only Olympic gold medalist in athletics and now adds another first to his legacy.
President Asif Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif led national celebrations, with the cricket fraternity including Babar Azam and Shadab Khan joining in praise of Arshad nadeem javelin throw. Nadeem, ever humble, dedicated the win to his coaches, family and nation on Instagram: “This medal is yours. Your support fuels my journey.”
🥇🇵🇰 Another GOLD for Pakistan! Alhamdulillah!
This victory belongs to the Almighty first—His blessings, His will. Without His grace, none of this would be possible.
To my coaches, my team, my family, and every Pakistani who prayed for me—this medal is yours. Your support… pic.twitter.com/WVULWp9eru— Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadOlympian1) May 31, 2025
As Nadeem prepares for September’s World Championships – the only major title eluding him – Pakistan’s sporting icon has proven once again why he’s Asia’s premier javelin thrower. With his ability to deliver under pressure and penchant for last-attempt heroics, the legend of Arshad Nadeem continues to soar higher than his record-breaking throws.
Also read: Chaiwala Arshad Khan fights in court after CNIC, passport blocked
