A year ago, Arshad Nadeem etched his name in history with a monumental javelin throw that not only brought Pakistan its first individual gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics but also set a new Olympic record — twice — with an incredible 92.97m effort at the Stade de France. The victory was a moment of national pride, reviving Pakistan’s flagging sports fortunes and cementing Arshad’s place among the world’s elite athletes.
Also Read: Pakistan Makes Historic Debut in World Games Squash Competition
Today, the champion is in London, recovering from calf muscle surgery and undergoing physiotherapy. While two Diamond League appearances scheduled for this month have been cancelled, neither Arshad nor his coach and mentor, Salman Butt, see it as a setback. Their focus is firmly on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, where a gold medal would complete Arshad’s golden trifecta, adding to his Olympic and 2022 Commonwealth Games titles.
“Things are looking good for Tokyo,” Butt said in a call from London. “We’re hoping to accomplish a lot there.” Arshad’s 2025 season began with promise, as he claimed gold at the Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea, with an 86.40m throw. Though missing competitions before the world stage is not ideal, Butt stressed that addressing the recurring injury was crucial for long-term success. Within days of arriving in Cambridge, Arshad underwent surgery, and now, free of pain, he is back to full training intensity.
In the coming weeks, Arshad will return to Pakistan to continue training for six weeks before heading to Tokyo, aiming to once again make history. His determination, combined with a carefully managed recovery plan, keeps hopes high for another golden performance.
In recognition of his achievements, the Pakistan High Commission in London honoured Arshad with a commemorative shield marking the anniversary of his Olympic triumph. High Commissioner Dr Muhammad Faisal praised the athlete for inspiring Pakistan’s youth and highlighting the importance of track and field sports in the country. Surrounded by officials and supporters, Arshad’s moment at the High Commission served as a reminder of how far he has come — and how much more he still aims to achieve.
If his past record is any indication, Arshad Nadeem’s sights on Tokyo are not just about competing — they are about rewriting history yet again.
