Arshad Nadeem (born 2 January 1997) is a Pakistani athlete specializing in the javelin throw. He is the current Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion and the silver medalist from the World Athletics Championships. During the 2024 Summer Olympics, he set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters (305.0 feet).

Nadeem has taken part in two Olympic Games and is the first Pakistani to ever qualify for the final round in any track and field event at both the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. In the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he set a new record for both the nation and the Commonwealth with a throw of 90.18 meters (295.9 feet), becoming the first athlete from South Asia to throw beyond 90 meters. In 2023, he became the first Pakistani to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships by earning a silver. He represents the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in the National Games of Pakistan.

Early Life

Born on 2 January 1997 in Mian Channu, Punjab, Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem grew up in a Punjabi Muslim family from the Jutt community. He is the third of eight siblings. From an early age, Nadeem was actively involved in various sports such as cricket, badminton, football, and athletics. Cricket was his favorite, and he played in local tape-ball tournaments. His talent in athletics was spotted by Rasheed Ahmad Saqi, a well-known coach in the area, during a school competition when Nadeem was in seventh grade. Saqi began training him soon after.

Before deciding to focus on the javelin throw, Nadeem also competed in shot put and discus throw. He gained attention after winning gold medals in javelin throw at the Punjab Youth Festivals and other regional competitions, which led to offers from top domestic sports teams like the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and WAPDA. It was his father, Muhammad Ashraf, who encouraged him to pursue javelin throwing. Although Nadeem originally dreamed of becoming a professional cricketer, he shifted his focus to athletics in 2015, a decision he later described as “the best thing that happened” to him.

By Eman

Eman Fatima Qaiser Computer Science Student | Blogger I am a passionate computer science student with a love for exploring diverse topics, from travel and famous personalities to films, trends, and the latest global updates. Through my blog, I provide fresh insights and informative content to keep readers up-to-date on the ever-changing world around us.

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