Pakistan Celebrates Historical Olympic Gold Medal
MIAN CHANNU, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistanis are rejoicing over the country’s first Olympic gold medal in decades after Arshad Nadeem set an Olympic record in javelin to outshine defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India on Thursday night.
Nadeem’s throw of 92.97 meters easily surpassed the previous mark of 90.57 set by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway in 2008. It was also well ahead of Chopra, the Tokyo champion who reached a season-best 89.45 for silver.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to social media to express his excitement, writing on X, “Bravo Arshad, History made! You’ve made the whole nation proud young man.”
Nadeem’s mother, Razia Parveen, watched with family from their home city of Mian Channu in the eastern Punjab province, holding onto a Quran and praying throughout the event. When Pakistani TV stations announced Nadeem’s victory, the family bowed their heads in gratitude and embraced. The house continues to receive visitors with sweets being exchanged among relatives and friends.
“I am grateful to Allah who has blessed my son with such a great honor and I knew it, my heart also knew it, that he will get the gold medal,” Parveen said.
Pakistan’s Olympic History
Pakistan’s previous gold medal was in men’s field hockey at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and its last medal of any color was a field hockey bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Cricket and Future Olympics
Since then, cricket has become the dominant sport in Pakistan. Cricket will make a comeback as an Olympic sport for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, where Pakistan is anticipated to be a strong contender.
Nadeem’s family is planning to welcome him at the airport upon his return home over the weekend.
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AP Olympics:
Insight:
It is fascinating to see how Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable achievement in javelin has reinvigorated Pakistan’s Olympic spirit and brought a sense of national pride. The dedication and support shown by his family, as well as the reception planned for his return, highlight the unity and enthusiasm sparked by his victory. Additionally, with cricket set to make its return to the Olympic stage in 2028, Pakistan’s sporting landscape is poised for further excitement and success in the future.
