Arshad Nadeem, Pakistani javelin thrower and the first individual Olympic gold medalist in the country, was appointed in the list of 30 under 30 years of Forbes for South Asia 2025.
The annual list, which recognizes young leaders, innovators and modifiers in the region, included Nadeem in the entertainment and sports category. The honor reflects both its sporting excellence and its cultural impact in Pakistan and beyond.
Nadeem, 28, reached worldwide importance after obtaining gold from the Paris Olympic Games, marking a historic moment for Pakistani athletics.
His trip by Mian Channu, a modest city of Punjab, with international renown, made him a familiar name and an inspiration for young athletes in South Asia.
Nadeem played an important role in the elevation of the presence of Pakistan in world athletics competitions.
His recent performances, including another gold medal in the Asian athletic championship, consolidated his reputation for one of the best javelin launchers in the world. To date, Nadeem has won 5 gold medals in various different competitions.
While looking at the upcoming international events, Nadeem’s inclusion in the Forbes list adds another step to a career defined by resilience and ambition. Its history continues to resonate in a region where sport often has a broader social and national meaning.
With this recognition, Nadeem not only carries the javelin but also the aspirations of millions of Pakistani, while it continues to trace new territories for the sporting future of the nation.
