Pakistan celebrates its first Olympic medal in decades as javelin hero breaks Games record.Arshad Nadeem

 ### Pakistan Celebrates Historic Olympic Victory as Javelin Star Shatters Record:

Arshad Nadeem of Team Pakistan celebrates after winning gold in the men's javelin throw final in Paris on August 8, 2024. 

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**A Night of Triumph: Arshad Nadeem Wins Gold**:

In a moment of unprecedented national pride, Pakistan celebrated late into the night after javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem clinched the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in track and field. Nadeem's remarkable performance in Paris saw him achieve a Games record throw of 92.97 meters, securing the gold medal and breaking the previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters set by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen in Beijing 2008.

The normally cricket-obsessed nation stayed up past midnight to witness this historic achievement, marking Pakistan’s first Olympic medal since the men’s field hockey team won bronze at the Barcelona Games 32 years ago.

**Family Celebrations and National Festivities**:

Supporters and family members of Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem celebrate after his Olympic victory at Mian Channu in Khanewal district, Pakistan on August 9, 2024. 

Shahid Saeed Mirza/AFP/Getty Images

Nadeem’s family in Mian Channu, Punjab, was overwhelmed with joy. His brother, Shahid Nadeem, shared his elation with CNN, saying, “Our brother has won the gold medal, and I’ve lost my voice celebrating all night.” He added, “When he gets home, we will celebrate in a way that the world will never forget! We are simple people and will celebrate with kheer (local rice pudding) and whatever Allah gives us.”

The streets outside Nadeem’s home came alive with celebrations, including traditional drumming. His mother expressed her immense pride to local news, saying, “I am so happy. He has made Pakistan’s name proud, earned Pakistan a medal, and made its flag fly proudly.”

**A Record-Breaking Throw**:

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem competes in the men's javelin throw final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 8, 2024. 

Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty Images

Nadeem’s victorious throw was not only a personal triumph but also a record-breaking achievement. His second throw of 92.97 meters surpassed the previous Olympic record, eliciting gasps of amazement from spectators and a jubilant reaction from Nadeem himself as he raised his arms in celebration.

**A Heartwarming Display of Sportsmanship**:

In a dramatic final, Nadeem outperformed India’s Neeraj Chopra, the reigning world champion, who took silver with a throw of 89.45 meters. Despite the historic rivalry between Pakistan and India, Nadeem and Chopra’s friendship shone through. The two athletes embraced each other after the results were announced, their flags draped over their shoulders, symbolizing a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and Neeraj Chopra of India embrace after their gold-silver medal finish at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. 

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### Triumph for the Nation: Nadeem’s Victory Uplifts Pakistan:

**A Historic Moment on the Horizon**:

As Pakistan eagerly awaits the moment Arshad Nadeem stands atop the Olympic podium to receive his gold medal, the nation reflects on the significance of this victory — the first Olympic gold for Pakistan since the men’s field hockey team triumphed in Los Angeles in 1984. This moment marks a monumental achievement, not just in sports but for the entire country.

Altamish Jiwa, a prominent Pakistani sports journalist, described Nadeem’s gold medal as a "humongous victory for all of Pakistan" in an interview with CNN. He emphasized how this triumph has lifted the nation’s spirits, offering a much-needed sense of pride and collective joy. The feeling of triumph and collective joy, which the country has been deprived of for many years, is not just on the sporting front but in everyday life,” Jiwa noted.

**A Journey of Perseverance and Achievement**:

Arshad Nadeem’s rise to Olympic glory has been a story of perseverance and dedication. Finishing fifth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 84.62 meters, Nadeem went on to win silver at the 2023 World Championships. His determination and hard work culminated in becoming the first Pakistani athlete to reach the final of any track and field event at the Olympic Games.

Nadeem has been candid about the challenges he faced competing on the world stage, especially in a country that lacks state-of-the-art facilities for track and field athletes. Despite these obstacles, his passion for the sport drove him to excel. Originally aspiring to be a cricketer, Nadeem discovered javelin in 2015, a decision he describes as "the best thing that happened" to him.

**Shifting the Focus to Athletics**:

Cricket, while unofficially the national sport of Pakistan, receives the lion’s share of funding and support. However, Nadeem’s victory has sparked a renewed interest in athletics, highlighting the need for better resources for athletes competing internationally. His win has initiated discussions on social media and across the country about the importance of supporting sports beyond cricket.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged Nadeem’s remarkable achievement, taking to social media platform X to congratulate him: "You’ve made the whole nation proud, young man."

Nadeem’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for Pakistan’s future in athletics, inspiring a new generation of athletes to aim for greatness.