Arshad's victory ended Pakistan's 32-year Olympic medal drought, with the last being a bronze in 1992 when the hockey team defeated the Netherlands at the Barcelona Olympics
09 August, 2024
.jpg)
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan cricketers erupted in joy as Arshad Nadeem, the nation’s star javelin thrower, made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
This momentous achievement not only secured Pakistan's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal but also set a new Olympic record with a phenomenal throw of 92.97 meters.
In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), leading cricket figures were seen cheering for Arshad after his record-breaking performance.
The cricket fraternity's reactions highlighted the pride and unity felt across the country, as Arshad's victory marked a significant milestone in Pakistan's sporting history.
Following the official announcement of Arshad Nadeem securing the Gold Medal, Pakistan cricketers took to the social media platforms to express their joy and pride in the momentous achievement he brought to the nation.
"After 30 long years, the gold is back in Pakistan! Huge congratulations to @arshadnadeem29 for this incredible achievement. You’ve made the entire nation proud," Babar Azam posted.
"Out of nowhere, this son of a lion has won Pakistan a gold medal. What a man you are Arshad! You have achieved this on your own, with your own hard-work and calibre. Many congratulations to you Arshad, and the whole of Pakistan. The entire mood of the country has changed with 1 gold medal. Just because of one guy, Arshad, has got Pakistan trending across the whole world," Akhtar said.
"92.97!! You've inspired a nation! You deserve every moment of this glory," Haris Rauf posted.
"@ArshadOlympian1, you've made us proud by winning not only a Gold medal but also our first Olympic medal in 32 years and that too with a record breaking throw. You've shown the world what we're capable of," Sarfaraz Ahmed posted on his Instagram story.
"It was worth staying up late to watch @ArshadOlympian1 win GOLD with an Olympic record... 92.97!! You've made history as the first individual athlete from Pakistan to win gold. Every Pakistani is proud of you, inspiring the next generation," Naseem Shah posted on X.
"Congratulations @arshadnadeem29 on your Olympic gold win! Pakistan is beaming with pride thanks to your incredible achievement," Fakhar Zaman posted.
"Many many congratulations @arshadnadeem29 . You made Pakistan proud. Proud of you," Gul posted.
" 92.97= GOLD. This is perhaps the biggest individual achievement by a Pakistani athlete. The entire nation is proud of Arshad Nadeem. Thank you for representing our country the way u have, thank u for bringing hope. Champion of champions," Shadab posted.
In a video posted by former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul on his Instagram, Pakistan players were seen celebrating after Arshad Nadeem's final throw, which also surpassed the 90-meter mark.
Arshad's gold-winning throw, achieved on his second attempt, broke the previous Olympic record held by Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen, who registered a throw of 90.57 meters at the 2008 Beijing Games.
This victory is especially significant as it ends Pakistan's 40-year gold medal drought in the Olympics, with the last gold being won in 1984 in Los Angeles by the national hockey team.
Moreover, Arshad’s victory brought an end to a 32-year Olympic medal drought for Pakistan. The nation last stood on the Olympic podium in 1992 when the national hockey team clinched a bronze medal by defeating the Netherlands 4-3 at the Barcelona Olympics.
