RAWALPINDI: The javelin champion Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record and brought home a gold medal on Friday. According to the military’s press office, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir commended the athlete for his “remarkable achievement” and credited his “commitment, perseverance, and passion for excellence.”
On his second try, the athlete threw 92.97 meters for the gold, propelling the nation to its first-ever individual gold medal at the Olympics in Paris. With his victory, Pakistan won its first-ever individual gold medal, first-ever track and field medal, and the second-ever podium place by a South Asian in track and field. The country celebrated as the athlete was welcomed as a hero at Mian Channu, got the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, and was awarded more than Rs 155 million in cash. Leaders in Sindh also gave him recognition for his historic accomplishment.
At a ceremony organized at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Friday to commemorate the athlete’s historic performance, General Munir met Nadeem. “COAS appreciated Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable achievement of winning Pakistan’s first-ever gold medal in a singles event and setting a new Olympic record, attributing it to his commitment, perseverance, and passion for excellence,” said the statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Drawing attention to Nadeem’s incredible journey from humble beginnings to greatness, the army chief stressed the importance of tenacity and diligence.
Teams from a variety of sports, including storied Olympians like the gold-winning hockey team from 1984, were said to have attended the ceremony. The statement stated that Gen. Munir also emphasized the importance of youth engagement, development, and entertainment as fundamental components of a prosperous and healthy society. “COAS reaffirmed the commitment to support and empower not only sportsmen, but the entire wealth of Pakistani youth to achieve excellence towards a prosperous Pakistan,” the statement continued.
While expressing gratitude to the army chief, Nadeem highlighted the enormous potential of Pakistani youth and the value of grit, optimism, and hard work in overcoming obstacles and succeeding. Later, Nadeem wrote on X, expressing his “immense pride” at the warm welcome he received and how humbling it was to be among such esteemed company.
“I had the honor of being the chief guest for this unique ceremony, alongside several army generals, Pakistani cricket players, and other notable athletes,” he stated. I also had the chance to speak to the group and express my appreciation and opinions. He said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the army leader and all of the outstanding athletes for their encouragement and support.
