Arshad Nadeem Makes History: Pakistan’s First Gold in 50 Years at Asian Athletics Championships

Arshad Nadeem has secured Pakistan’s first gold medal in 50 years at the Asian Athletics Championships, delivering a record-breaking throw of 86.40 meters in the men’s javelin event on Saturday. The victory ends a decades-long drought for Pakistan in this prestigious continental competition and has been widely hailed as a defining moment for the country’s athletics scene.

Nadeem’s third attempt in the final proved decisive, surpassing the efforts of his closest rivals and establishing a new personal best. His throw of 86.40 meters earned him the top podium spot and underlined his status as one of Asia’s elite javelin athletes. With this performance, Nadeem surpassed the mark set by former Pakistani gold medalist Ghulam Raziq in 1975, the last time Pakistan secured gold in the championships.

The 28-year-old athlete from Mian Channu, Punjab, expressed his gratitude to his coaches, fans, and country in a post-event interview with Dawn News. “This victory is not just mine; it’s for Pakistan,” Nadeem said. “I have worked hard to reach this point, and I hope it inspires young athletes across the country to aim high.”

The final round of the men’s javelin throw featured stiff competition, with India’s Neeraj Chopra and Japan’s Ryohei Arai among the top contenders. However, Nadeem’s consistent form and the power behind his third throw were enough to secure victory in a closely watched showdown. His performance drew widespread praise from athletics officials and sports media, with outlets like ESPN Asia describing it as one of the highlights of the 2025 championships.

Pakistani officials, including the Pakistan Athletics Federation (PAF), lauded the win as a “watershed moment” for the country’s athletics program. In a statement, the PAF called for increased support and investment in the sport, noting that Nadeem’s success highlights the potential of homegrown talent in global competitions.

The significance of Nadeem’s achievement extends beyond the medals table. His win is seen as a symbol of resilience and determination for Pakistani sports, particularly in track and field, which has historically struggled to receive the same attention and resources as cricket and hockey. Social media platforms in Pakistan were flooded with messages of congratulations, with hashtags such as #ArshadNadeem and #AsianChampionshipsGold trending across Twitter and Instagram.

Looking ahead, attention has now turned to the upcoming Paris Olympics 2025, where Nadeem is expected to be a key contender for an Olympic medal. His performance in Bangkok has raised hopes that he can build on this momentum and bring further honors to Pakistan on the global stage.

Nadeem’s record-breaking performance has also fueled calls for better infrastructure and support for athletics in Pakistan. Sports analysts in Geo Super and ARY News have emphasized the need for comprehensive training programs and improved facilities to nurture the next generation of track and field athletes.

For further coverage of the Asian Athletics Championships and updates on Pakistan’s athletics development, visit our ROZ Updates.