Representing WAPDA, Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem clinched the gold medal in the men’s javelin event at the ongoing 35th National Games at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, recording a best throw of 81.81 meters to finish top of the field.
Yasir Sultan of WAPDA won the silver medal with a throw of 70.77m, while Abrar Ali of Pakistan Army won the bronze medal after recording a best effort of 67.68m.
Arshad, widely regarded as Pakistan’s javelin superstar and Olympic gold medalist, is competing in the National Games, where his participation and gold medal provided a major boost to local athletics and particularly the country’s javelin throwers.
Only two days earlier, on Saturday, Arshad had pinned high hopes on the National Games as a platform to showcase emerging talents.
Addressing the media at the opening ceremony at the National Bank Stadium, he expressed confidence that the event would help Pakistan unearth promising athletes in all disciplines.
“The National Games will bring out new talents for Pakistan,” Arshad said, expressing his belief that good players from this year’s edition could go on to represent the country at the international level. “I am sure that good talents will emerge this time in every athletics event. Artists will emerge from here and continue to make Pakistan’s name shine on the international stage.”
He added that the best performing athletes at the Games would be invited to a national camp, with the possibility of being selected for a busy international schedule next year.
“The best athletes from the National Games will be invited to a camp. There will be many events next year, and they might as well represent Pakistan there,” he noted.
The javelin thrower, who recently defended his gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, said he remains firmly focused on major international competitions, including the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Although he battled injuries earlier this year, he said he is now fully fit and aiming higher.
“I performed well despite the injury this year. I’m in great shape now, and [if my fitness remains the same] I will aim for the record throw,” Arshad said, emphasizing his determination to continue improving while inspiring the next generation of Pakistani javelin throwers.
