Pakistan’s javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem drew global attention by throwing a record-breaking 92.97 meters in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Stade de France on Thursday. His impressive achievement is a testament to his perseverance and the community support he received despite numerous challenges.
Born on January 2, 1997, Nadeem comes from modest beginnings in Mian Channu, a small town about 300 kilometers southwest of Lahore in southern Punjab. As the third of seven siblings, he grew up in a financially constrained environment. His father, Muhammad Ashraf, a retired construction worker, was the family’s sole provider. Although Nadeem initially had a passion for cricket, his family discouraged him from pursuing it professionally. Nadeem is married with two children—a daughter and a son.
Nadeem’s path to athletics is as remarkable as his Olympic triumph. Initially struggling to afford javelin training due to limited financial resources, Nadeem benefited from the support of his local community. His father recalls how villagers and relatives pooled money to help fund his training and travel. “People have no idea how Arshad got to this place today,” Muhammad Ashraf said, reflecting on the community’s generosity.
During his school years, Nadeem was a versatile athlete, participating in cricket, badminton, football, and athletics. Although cricket was his first love, he was introduced to javelin throw by coach Rasheed Ahmad Saqi, known for developing athletic talent. Under Saqi’s guidance and through his own dedication, Nadeem excelled in javelin, winning gold medals at the Punjab Youth Festivals and inter-board meets.
