ARSHAD Nadeem’s gold in javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics has finally ended Pakistan’s 32-year medal drought at the Games, and has given a reason to the nation to celebrate amid misery and challenges that mark national life today. Look whichever you want, the great Arshad Nadeem story is pure, unadult- erated gold. Period.

In fact, it was Arshad, it seems, for whom American singer and songwriter Frank Ocean had said, ‘work hard in silence, let your success be your noise’. The quote is a perfect embodiment of Arshad’s remarkable journey. Arshad’s gold has eclipsed anything and everything Pakistan has ever achieved in Olympic history; it is the first individual gold medal any Pakistani has ever achieved at this level. This is as unprecedented as it gets.

Hailing from the small city of Mian Channu in Khanewal district, Arshad’s journey to the top has been nothing short of being remarkable. Arshad did not have the hype or fan following that cricketers and other sports stars often enjoy. He was relatively unknown, both in Pakistan as well as around the world. He worked tirelessly in silence without seeking the spotlight.

Arshad, who is also reigning Comm- onwealth champion, was a silver medallist at last year’s World Athletics Champio- nships in Budapest. Despite all this, he faced significant financial challenges, struggling without proper sponsorships or funds to support his training. He could not even afford a new javelin till not too long ago. Yet, his determination never wavered.

On the grand stage of Olympics, Arshad made history with a monstrous 92.97m throw in the javelin final, creating a new Olympic Games record and securing Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in 40 years. This throw is now recorded as the sixth longest in the history of the sport. With his throw, Arshad brought to an end a long-standing medal drought that had persisted since 1992, when Pakistan’s hockey team clinched bronze at the Olympic Games in Barcelona. The last Olympic gold that Pakistan won was back in 1984; a good 40 years ago.

Arshad’s triumph is more than just a sporting achievement; it is an inspiration to everyone, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. His success is a testament to the power of perseverance and quiet dedication, proving that true champions do not need fanfare to make a lasting impact.

However, the big question is: will his success inspire the sports federations to find the next Arshad Nadeem in their domains? How long will we ignore merit and talent in sports and keep our focus on cricket, where we see nothing but erratic performances? How long will we brush aside merit and talent in every single field of national life? Will the authorities wake up now and support Arshad as well as other athletes like him who have always been given a cold shoulder and never supported by successive governments in their endeavours? The authorities only celebrate the success when a sportsman achieves a milestone through working hard without any support.

Arshad Nadeem, you have made the entire nation proud. We are deeply grateful to you. You are an inspiration. You are, indeed, the pride of Pakistan.

Moin Ahmed Awan
Kandhkot

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024