The civil and military leadership extended greetings on Arshad Nadeem's historic victory in the Paris Olympics 2024.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Arshad Nadeem, you are the pride of the entire nation. It is the victory of the entire nation. Setting a great Olympic record in the final, the longest javelin throw is a great achievement. By winning a medal for Pakistan in the Paris Olympics, you made us proud.” He prayed the Almighty may bless Arshad Nadeem with more success in future
According to ISPR, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Services Chiefs extended their warmest felicitations to the nation on this momentous occasion as Arshad Nadeem etches his name in history by becoming the first Pakistani athlete to secure an individual gold medal at the Olympics.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Arshad Nadeem's unwavering dedication, unrelenting perseverance, and exemplary hard work, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the entire nation, they said, adding that his triumph is a resounding affirmation of Pakistani talent and determination, showcasing the country's potential to excel on the global stage,"
Arshad Nadeem broke the Olympic record with a monstrous 92.97-metre throw, the sixth-longest all-time throw. The previous Olympic record was of Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway which he made during the 2008 Olympics with a throw of 90.57m. His two throws went ahead of the previous Olympic record.
Defending champion India’s Neeraj Chopra came in second with 89.45m followed by Grenada’s Anderson Peters in third with an 88.54m throw. It was after 40 years that Pakistan won an Olympic gold. The last time Pakistan won a hockey gold medal was in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. August 8 also marked exactly 32 years since Pakistan won an Olympic medal after the hockey team clinched a bronze with a 4-3 win over the Netherlands in Barcelona in 1992.
It is also Pakistan’s first-ever medal in Athletics and first-ever individual Olympics gold medal. Before Arshad, Muhammad Bashir won a bronze medal in wrestling in the 1960 Olympics while Hussain Shah won a bronze medal in wrestling in the 1988 Olympics.
In his greetings message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Arshad Nadeem gave a very beautiful gift to the entire Pakistani nation.
He added: “The whole nation is proud of Arshad Nadeem. He won this honour with hard work and dedication and made Pakistan famous in the whole world."
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said: “Well done Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem Well done. Arshad Nadeem performed a historic and unforgettable feat. He fame to Pakistan by winning gold medal with skill and professional approach.
“His hard work and the nation's prayers paid off. Arshad Nadeem's victory is Pakistan's victory which will always be remembered. Arshad Nadeem is the hero of the nation who made today a memorable day for Pakistan.”
The chief ministers, ministers and key political figures including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari too extended their greetings on the historic victory.
Bilawal Bhutto said Arshad Nadeem made the nation proud with the historic win.
The nation stands with its hero, he said, adding that Olympian Arshad Nadeem is a beacon for the youth that it is possible to achieve the goal with hard work, dedication and consistency.