‘Proud of you, champ!’: Arshad Nadeem misses medal but wins hearts

Several celebrities took to Twitter to congratulate the Olympian for having come so far despite the odds

Arshad Nadeem on Saturday nearly bagged a coveted Olympic gold medal for Pakistan, but fell short, finishing fifth in the final of men's javelin throw event in Tokyo but winning hearts back home.

The 24-year-old from Mian Channu became Pakistan’s first track and field athlete to compete at the quadrennial event, earning him much applause in the country. Several prominent celebrities took to Twitter to congratulate the athlete for having come so far and to comment on the future of sports policy in Pakistan.  

Television host Anoushey Ashraf wrote in a tweet, “Just goes to show that if promoted properly, Pakistan is a nation ready to watch, support and back their athletes in every sport beyond just cricket. #ArshadNadeem makes us proud! Bring Hockey/Squash back!” 

Just goes to show that if promoted properly, Pakistan is a nation ready to watch, support and back their athletes in every sport beyond just cricket. #ArshadNadeem makes us proud! Bring Hockey/Squash back!

— Anoushey Ashraf (@Anoushey_a) August 7, 2021

Actor Zahid Ahmed shared a picture of Arshad to his Twitter, writing alongside it, “Proud of you champ! You have nonetheless inspired all of #TokyoOlympics #ArshadNadeem"

Proud of you champ! You have nonetheless inspired all of 🇵🇰 👏 #TokyoOlympics #ArshadNadeem pic.twitter.com/DnKL9h0Vhn

— Zahid Ahmed (@zahidahmed_) August 7, 2021

Singer Fakhr-e-Alam took to the app to talk about what changes should be implemented when it comes to sports policy in Pakistan so that the path is paved with fewer difficulties for future Olympians and athletes. “The future sports policy should be simple. For all those at the helm of affairs. You have a 2 to 4-year cycle. If you don’t bring home medals or cups, you go home. Full stop. Start doing your job or get lost. Organize, identify, meritorious selection. NO POLITICS in SPORTS.” 

The future sports policy should be simple. For all those at the helm of affairs. You have a 2 to 4 year cycle. If you don’t bring home medals or cups, you go home. Full stop. Start doing your job or get lost. Organize, identify, meritorious selection. NO POLITICS in SPORTS. 🇵🇰🇵🇰

— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) August 7, 2021

He congratulated Arshad in a separate tweet, #ArshadNadeem you WIN... you defied all the odds stacked against you. Absence of facilities, coaching, organization...you were driven with the passion to make your country proud. You did it on your OWN...YOU WIN... #PakistanZindabad” 

#ArshadNadeem you WIN... you defied all the odds stacked against you. Absence of facilities, coaching, organization...you were driven with the passion to make your country proud. You did it in your OWN...YOU WIN... #PakistanZindabad

— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) August 7, 2021

Former model Frieha Altaf urged the government to pay more attention to the sports talent in the country. She started off by congratulating Arshad, “Bravo Arshad Nadeem for your Olympic performance!” Frieha then added, “PM @ImranKhanPTI as a former sportsman pls give attention to our sports talent. It’s sad we don’t compete in hockey our national sport Better training facilities, financial help!”

Bravo Arshad Nadeem for your Olympic performance!
PM @ImranKhanPTI as a former sportsman pls give attention to our sports talent
It’s sad we don’t compete in hockey our national sport Better training facilities, financial help! @talha_tlb #JavelinThrow#ArshadNadeem #Olympics pic.twitter.com/ynkTYaXz80

— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) August 7, 2021

 Echoing the sentiments of people across Pakistan, actor Sami Khan tweeted, “You are a hero #arshadnadeem ... you gave us hope... Pakistan loves you.”

You are a hero #arshadnadeem ... you gave us hope... Pakistan loves you...🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/2fyniks8D8

— sami khan (@samikhan421) August 7, 2021

Actor Imran Ashraf wrote, “You win. You may not have gotten an award, but you won respect for the entire Nation. Thank you.”  

ارشد ندیم سر.
آپ جیت گئے ہیں...
تمغہ نہ سہی....
قوم کی پگڑی جیت کر آئے ہیں
آپکا شُکریہ #thankyouarshadnadeem pic.twitter.com/Z3FbozilUL

— Imran Ashraf (@IamImranAshraf) August 7, 2021

“I thank my Pakistani nation and my parents for their prayers and support,” Arshad tweeted after the event. He also expressed his gratitude to his coaches and Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimoor.

میرے والدین اور پاکستان کی عوام کا بہت شکریہ جن کی دعاؤں سے آج اس مقام تک پہنچا

انشاء اللہ اگلی بار بھرپور تیاری کے ساتھ اولمپکس میں شرکت کروں گا#ArshadNadeem

— Arshad Nadeem 🇵🇰 (@ArshadNadeemPak) August 7, 2021