— Sets new Olympics record of 92.97m in javelin final
PARIS: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has delivered a historic performance by winning the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024.
With a stunning throw of 92.97 metres, Nadeem not only secured first place but also set a new Olympic Record (OR), marking Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medal in over three decades.
The Mian Channu-born was slow off the blocks, registering a no-throw on his first attempt of the night but shocked everyone on his second attempt, with a monstrous 92.97-m throw, which the rest of the field could not even come close for the rest of the competition.
Behind Nadeem on the podium was rival and reigning champion Neeraj Chopra, who also had a foul throw on his first attempt before eventually settling for a silver medal finish with an 89.45m throw on his second attempt.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters took home bronze, his first ever Olympic medal, with an 88.54m throw.
Nadeem’s triumph is a monumental achievement for Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sporting history.
The event, which started at 11:25 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), is in progress, with Nadeem and other top athletes battling for medals.
Here are the current standings and attempts:
- Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) – 92.97 metres (OR)
- Anderson Peters (Grenada) – 87.87 metres
- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) – 86.16 metres (SB)
- Jakub Vadlejch (Czechia) – 84.52 metres
- Oliver Helander (Finland) – 81.24 metres
- Toni Keranen (Finland) – 80.92 metres
- Luiz Mauricio da Silva (Brazil) – 80.67 metres
- Julius Yego (Kenya) – 80.29 metres
- Andrian Mardare (Republic of Moldova) – 79.14 metres
- Lassi Etelatalo (Finland) – 78.81 metres
Notable Absences:
Julian Weber (Germany) – X Neeraj Chopra (India) – X
Nadeem’s first throw was termed a “No throw” as he fumbled the load-up and returned to the start mark.
The event, which began at 11:25 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), is being closely followed by fans across Pakistan, with Nadeem carrying the hopes of a nation longing for an Olympic medal.
Nadeem secured his place in the final after an impressive first throw of 86.59 metres during the qualifying round at Stade de France earlier this week. His performance ensured automatic qualification, joining India’s Neeraj Chopra and Grenada’s Peter Anderson, who also qualified with outstanding throws.
The excitement around Nadeem’s participation has been palpable, with Pakistan’s white-ball cricket captain, Babar Azam, among those publicly supporting him. In a heartfelt video message, Babar wished Nadeem the best of luck and urged the nation to rally behind him as he strives to end Pakistan’s 32-year Olympic medal drought.
Nadeem, who has overcome significant challenges this season, including a recent injury, has expressed his determination to deliver a strong performance in the final. “I am very hopeful that I will perform well in the final, Inshallah,” Nadeem said.
The final round is ongoing, and Nadeem’s performance is being eagerly watched by millions in Pakistan and around the world.
As the competition unfolds, the nation remains hopeful that Arshad Nadeem will make history by securing a long-awaited Olympic medal.
