Arshad Nadeem’s Early Life
Born in a poor family, he is the third oldest brother among the eight siblings. The athletics spirit in Nadeem was born very early in life. He played cricket, badminton and football. He even tried his hand on shot put and discus throw before starting his journey of Javelin throw.
In 2015, Nadeem picked up Javelin for the first time. His Father, Muhammad Ashraf was the one to lit this spirit of sports in him. Although he wanted Nadeem to become a full-time cricketer, Nadeem changed his mind after starting Javelin. And he is definitely cherishing it to be “the best thing that happened” to him.
His winning deals started with gold medals in the javelin throw at successive Punjab Youth Festivals. Moreover, with the inter-board team, he was pushed to the national stage. In no time, he started getting offers from the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
Journey to Gold Medal at Olympics
This 27-year-old, married man with two children didn’t have any money to even buy a Javelin. He used to give wood to the nearby craftsman to give it a Javelin shape. He lived in the central Pakistani region of Khanewal, where he with his family were living on a bare minimum. Even the water and electricity supply was not proper. And nor did his village have any Javelin ground. So he practised at a cricket ground.
But all these circumstances failed to stop Nadeem from dreaming of the Olympics and turning that dream into a reality.
His villagers contributed to getting him to the Paris Olympics. When Nadeem appealed on Social Media for funds to get a quality Javelin, Neeraj Chopra supported his cause.
Pakistan Win Gold after 32 years
Arshad Nadeem scripted history by winning a Gold for Pakistan with a throw of 92.97 meters after 32 years. The last one was won at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Its three previous golds, in 1960, 1968, and 1984, all came in field hockey.
After winning Gold for Pakistan, Nadeem a Crowd-Fundede athletics will get a 10 crore (PKR) cash prize as announced by the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz. Moreover, to honour him, a sports city will be built in his name in his hometown of Khanewal.
Mutual Feeling Across Borders
Nadeem competed with Neeraj Chopra in the Finals. Both of them performed extremely well. Neeraj Chopra has come to the Finals after setting his supremacy with his monster throw of 89.43m. He got qualified in the first attempt that took just 10 seconds. All his fans had high hopes for him but Nadeem and his hard work went a step ahead and won the Gold.
Neeraj Chopra is not happy with his silver. He won the gold in the previous Olympics. He is only the third Indian and the first in track and field to win back-to-back individual Olympic medals.
Despite all the rivalry between India and Pakistan, the feeling of celebration was mutual across the borders. The mothers viewed both as part of the family and both of them were appreciated by their fans across the border.
Neeraj Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi, with her heart filled with happiness, said,
“We are very happy with the silver; the one who got gold is also our child, and the one who got silver is also our child,” Saroj Devi told ANI. “All are athletes; all work hard.
“Nadeem is also good, he plays well; there is no difference between Neeraj and Nadeem. We got gold and silver, and there is no difference for us,” she pointed out.
On the other side of the border, Raziah Parveen, Arshad Nadeem’s mother, also offered her wishes to Neeraj.
“They are not only friends but brothers, and I also pray that Neeraj will be more successful,” Raziah Parveen told the Independent Urdu.
“Neeraj is also like our son, and I pray that he wins medals. Winning and losing is part of sport, but they are like brothers.”
Arshad Nadeem and His Insult
On Thursday night, Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, was caught allowing Nadeem’s insult in a video that went viral on the internet. A person sitting next to Sharif demeaned Nameed while watching his performance on TV. He said, “This is your mission because you have given the opportunity to him.”
Many people call the Pakistan government a system with a “feudal mindset”. While others said, “This is Pakistan government’s culture and they behave with their champions like slaves.” “This shows how they are demeaning their own players.”
Final Line:
Arshad Nadeem has not just scripted history but has become an inspiration for the young athletes of Pakistan. Breaking the 32 years of long drought, he shows a light hope. He is a live example that you can achieve anything if you have determination.
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