Arshad Nadeem Targets World Athletics Championship Gold After Olympic Success
PAKISTAN’S javelin star Arshad Nadeem (L) receives a cheque from Wapda chairman retired Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani during a prize distribution ceremony at the Wapda Auditorium on Wednesday.
Arshad Nadeem, fresh off his Olympic glory, has set his sights on winning a gold medal at the upcoming World Athletics Championship. The Pakistani javelin thrower, who set an Olympic record of 92.97 meters in Paris, expressed his determination to continue his winning streak during a prize distribution ceremony at Wapda’s Auditorium in Lahore on Wednesday.
“The way the entire nation celebrated my achievement in the Paris Olympics is quite encouraging, and now I am aiming for gold at the World Athletics Championship,” Arshad stated.
Arshad’s journey from a small village in Pakistan to the Olympic podium is a powerful testament to perseverance. His story serves as an inspiration to athletes across the country, and the 27-year-old encourages aspiring sportspeople to set big targets, as the sky is the limit.
During the ceremony, Arshad received a cash prize of Rs5 million from his department, Wapda, and expressed gratitude to both private and government sectors for their support in his preparation for the global stage. He also acknowledged the crucial role of his coach Salman Iqbal Butt, along with Rashid Saqi, Fayyaz Bukhari, and his school’s P.T Master Ramzan, in his success.
Reflecting on his journey, Arshad shared the struggles he faced, including battling injuries that required surgeries on his knees and elbow. Despite these challenges, he remained determined, ultimately achieving a victory that raised Pakistan’s flag on the world stage.
Arshad also thanked the Athletics Federation of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Board, Punjab Sports Board, and his doctors, Dr. Asad Abbas and Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa, for their timely medical treatment that played a crucial role in his Olympic preparation.
Wapda chairman, retired Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani, praised Arshad’s achievements and announced a job for Arshad’s younger brother, who is also a javelin thrower. Ghani emphasized the importance of sports, noting that Wapda athletes have won numerous medals in international competitions over the past two years.
The ceremony also honored Wapda’s weightlifters, Nooh Dastagir, and the Sohail sisters, Sybil, Veronica, and Twinkle, who have brought laurels to the country with their outstanding performances in international championships.