New Delhi: Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist, Arshad Nadeem, paid a respectful visit to legendary cricketer Wasim Akram in Lahore. Nadeem was invited to the annual sports day of the Deaf Reach School, where the event highlighted the value of determination, inclusivity, and the need for accessible education for deaf children.
Here’s the video below:
Humbled to meet the legend himself, @wasimakramliveofficial in Lahore! What an honor to share some moments with the Sultan of Swing. His passion for sports and dedication to Pakistan is truly inspiring! pic.twitter.com/NvcvNocuRp
— Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadOlympian1) December 20, 2024
Who is Arshad Nadeem?
Arshad Nadeem, a 27-year-old Pakistani javelin thrower, made history by becoming the first athlete from Pakistan to win a gold medal in javelin at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Nadeem has been honing his skills for more than ten years, overcoming various hurdles to achieve this incredible milestone. His commitment, perseverance, and love for the sport have inspired many young athletes in Pakistan to follow their aspirations in athletics.
Arshad Nadeem was born on January 2, 1997, in the small town of Mian Channu, Pakistan. Initially a sports enthusiast who participated in various activities like badminton and football, Arshad’s true passion eventually shifted to cricket, which he played in district-level tape-ball tournaments.
It was Rasheed Ahmad Saqi who introduced Arshad to the javelin, dedicating hours to teaching him the techniques of using his elbows to throw with power and accuracy.
Before breaking the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters, Nadeem’s initial throws were under 60 meters. However, during his WAPDA trials, he managed to reach 65 meters, drawing the attention of national coaches who recognized his potential.
Coming from a small village, Arshad was always passionate about sports, particularly cricket and javelin. Despite numerous obstacles, his determination led him to become an Olympic record-holder in the javelin. On the “Beyond the Throw” show hosted by Roha Nadeem, Arshad shared how he would ask a local craftsman to carve a bamboo stick into a javelin, using it to practice on the ground.