New Delhi: Arshad Nadeem, a bricklayer’s son from a small village in Punjab, won Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal in 40 years. The 27-year-old set a new world record in the men’s javelin final at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a throw of 92.97 metres. For jubilant Pakistanis, it is a “band aid on the wounds of 240 million” people, and a cure to the country’s “collective hopelessness”.
It was a touching moment for India as well. Nadeem may have edged out India’s Neeraj Chopra, but the two athletes have a friendship that triumphs petty rivalry. Chopra’s mother in a statement made to the press called Nadeem “her own son” and celebrated his win.
“Two Punjabis divided by border, united by excellence,” said journalist Ammara Ahmad. Others suggested that both India and Pakistan should take a leaf out of the sportsmen’s book.
“Relations between Pakistan and India should be like the relations between Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra. They compete at the highest level and do their best to improve their own performance and they also respect and admire each other,” professor and political activist Taimur Rahman wrote on X.
Pakistanis, of course, are thrilled. They can’t wait for the next Arshadabad, Arshad Papad, Arshad flyover to be built. But for now, they revel in his success. For many, it was the “greatest night in the history of Pakistan Olympics (in the 21st century).”
The Pakistan People’s Party-led Sindh government and Governor Kamran Tessori announced cash prizes totalling Rs 51 million for the athlete on Friday, Dawn reported. The Sindh government is also set to open a training academy in his name. Meanwhile, actor Ali Zafar announced a reward of Rs 1 million for Nadeem.
Before Thursday, only two Pakistani athletes had ever won individual medals: Mohammad Bashir’s bronze in wrestling in 1960 and Hussain Shah’s bronze in boxing in 1988.
But Nadeem himself is known to keep a low profile.
Many commentators and journalists like Abbas Nasir were quick to point out that he managed to bring “gold glory” to Pakistan all on his own, largely unsupported.
“Rich countries spend hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars in creating an Olympic-level athlete. Pakistan gets a gold out of the sheer determination of one man and the support of his family and community. The whole world should be in awe,” political anthropologist Arsalan Khan said in a post on X.
Victory ‘despite the system’
On social media, Pakistan’s cricketers, politicians, and celebrities are effusive in their congratulations for Nadeem.
“His persistence and perseverance have made him and the nation proud,” former Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a statement shared on his X account. Pakistan’s white ball captain Babar Azam congratulated Nadeem on his “incredible achievement”.
After 30 long years, the gold is back in Pakistan! Huge congratulations to @arshadnadeem29 for this incredible achievement. You've made the entire nation proud. 🏅🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/db7OmugQvE
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) August 8, 2024
Fans, however, were quick to point out that he did it with little support from the government.
In March, Nadeem had to approach the media to get a new javelin since he did not have money to buy one. It was only then that the government imported one for him. He had been using his old javelin for eight years.
According to local reports, people from Nadeem’s village pooled money so he could train and travel to other cities in the early days of his career.
“Pakistan’s entire survival is a long continuous story of many Arshad Nadeems. People who give back to this place not because of, but despite the system which failed them,” scholar Hamd Nawaz said in one post.
Pakistan’s entire survival is a long continous story of many Arshad Nadeems. People who give back to this place not because of, but despite the system which failed them.
— Hamd Nawaz (@_SophieSchol) August 8, 2024
On social media, memes of Nadeem throwing both Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have started doing the rounds.
Also read: Coaches, doctors ‘at fault’, Vinesh a winner — uncle Mahavir Phogat on wrestler’s Olympic heartbreak
Nadeem’s roots
The third of seven siblings, Nadeem grew up in a small village near Mian Channu city in Pakistan Punjab, some 300 kilometres from Lahore.
“It would be a lucky day for the family if we ate anything more than lentils or vegetables,” his brother Shahid told Al Jazeera in a phone interview.
In Paris, with the world’s attention on him, Nadeem spoke about how he had wanted to be a cricketer but his brothers persuaded him to take up athletics.
“Many often ask me why even on track, I run as if I am fast bowling. I always wanted to be a cricketer, but many told me that it takes years and resources to be established. I decided to focus on javelin,” he said in a press conference.
arshad nadeem talking about his journey. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ydaoZ64DbR
— alooparatha⁵⁶⁵⁷ | ARSHAD GOLD MEDALIST! | free 🍉 (@itssash10) August 9, 2024
In 2014, when Nadeem first travelled to Lahore to participate in a youth festival, a friend suggested that he attend the athletics trials for the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority. There was no looking back.
Back in Nadeem’s village, a host of people prayed in front of the TV that his father had set up for the match. Dawn reported people playing dhol in front of Nadeem’s house, and his mother sharing sweets among those gathered.
Nadeem’s Olympic gold is as much a victory for his family as it is for his country.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)