Senate honours Arshad Nadeem for historic Olympic gold, record-breaking javelin throw

Senate passed a resolution on Monday celebrating Arshad Nadeem’s historic achievement at the Paris Olympics, where he set a new javelin throw record and brought home a gold medal for Pakistan.

The resolution, introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, honorued Nadeem’s dedication and hard work, which the house recognised as a source of inspiration for Pakistan’s youth. 

According to Radio Pakistan, the resolution also called on the government to create more opportunities for young athletes at the school, college, and university levels.

The Senate expressed confidence that Nadeem would continue to bring glory to Pakistan on the global stage, serving as a role model for the nation’s youth.

Nadeem, 27, who comes from a large, economically disadvantaged family in Khanewal, central Punjab, first dreamed of Olympic success in a region where even basic amenities like water and electricity were unreliable, let alone sports facilities.

Upon returning from Paris, Nadeem was greeted with a water cannon salute and cheering crowds. “I am thankful to God almighty. I thank my parents and the Pakistani nation,” Nadeem said. “There is a lot of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt behind this.”

Since his triumph, Nadeem has received nearly $1 million in rewards from both the government and private entities. He was also recently honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award.

Nadeem’s victory last month has been a beacon of hope for many Pakistanis, who are grappling with economic hardships and increasing security concerns. 

In a sport where resources are scarce in Pakistan, Nadeem’s accomplishment is even more remarkable. He likened his Olympic duel with India’s Neeraj Chopra to the iconic cricket rivalry between the two nations. 

Despite the challenges of being a non-cricket athlete in a cricket-obsessed country, Nadeem’s 92.97-metre javelin throw in Paris secured Pakistan’s first Olympic medal since the 1992 Barcelona Games and its first gold since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.