The Indomitable Spirit
– Christine Rose Sebastian
SY BSc. Economics (2023-27)
Estimated reading time ~ 2 minutes 46 seconds
Source: www.pakskyline.com
What used to be just a name has now turned into a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the sheer power of the human spirit. I am talking about the new reigning world champion in the athletic sport of javelin throw; Arshad Nadeem. His journey to this tremendous height that he has reached, is nothing short of extraordinary and leaves no heartstring untouched.
Born into a world of scarcity, even the aroma of meat was a luxury granted to the family only once a year, usually on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Nadeem’s childhood was etched with the harsh realities of life. However, if he had one thing and nothing else, it was the tireless support he received from his father, Muhammad Ashraf. Ashraf, a bricklayer, would go out and toil under the scorching heat, while a young Arshad would yearn for the cricket field. The fire in him that led him to excel in sports was further ignited by his idol, the legendary Rasheed Ahmad Saqi.
However, life never pans out the way we think it will, does it? Nadeem would surely agree. While cricket was his first love, his father saw in him a talent that extended beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch. With a few nudges, Arshad was directed into the world of javelin in 2015, a decision that changed the course of his life and his nation, Pakistan’s sporting history. Nadeem has even expressed his immense gratitude for this redirection in his life.
Nadeem, with a raw talent that was evident even in his early days, began making waves. His rise was meteoric, it started with numerous wins (some of which were record-breaking!) such as a bronze medal at the South Asian Games in 2016, another bronze medal at the 17th Asian Junior Athletics Championship, also in 2016, and yet another bronze medal at the Asian Games in 2018. Following several such victories, he soon found himself making history as the first Pakistani track and field athlete to qualify for the Olympics.
Saqi, the man who was an immense source of inspiration for Nadeem, became more than an idol to him. Saqi became Nadeem’s “roohani baap”, his soul father. The bond they shared was deep, a connection that was forged in their shared dreams and aspirations. This connection was quite visible when right before the 2024 Paris Olympics, Saqi predicted a 95m throw by Nadeem. Of course, it was a mighty bold statement, but as someone who was so aware of Nadeem’s potential, he knew that anything was possible. And spoiler alert, Saqi wasn’t too far off with his prediction.
Nadeem’s participation and performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were yet another turning point for Nadeem and Pakistan’s sporting legacy. He became the first Pakistani athlete to qualify for an Olympic athletics final. It was a giant leap, but Nadeem was just getting started. The silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championship was a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. It was also Pakistan’s first-ever medal at the competition.
Unfortunately, in a cruel twist of fate, a chronic knee injury forced Nadeem to withdraw from the 2023 Asian Games. But, like the true warrior that he is, this only further fuelled his determination. After a successful surgery, he was immediately back in training. And this time, he had his eyes fixed on the ultimate prize: an Olympic gold.
And he achieved it. He achieved it in one of the most glorious wins of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The moment of his record-breaking javelin throw at 92.97 m that won him his Olympic gold medal will not only be etched in the memory of Pakistan forever but will also be looked back on as one of the proudest moments in the nation’s sporting history.
From the dusty fields of Mian Channu to the globe’s biggest athletic stage, Arshad Nadeem’s tale is an undeniable testament to the power of human potential. His is a story of Triumph over Adversity. He is not just an athlete; he is a warrior, a dreamer, and an inspiration. His name is synonymous with excellence, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.