National Games: Arshad Nadeem wins gold in Javelin throw

KARACHI: Pakistan's star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem backed his credentials at the 35th National Games, underway across 24 venues here until December 13, by clinching the gold medal in men's Javelin throw.

Representing the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in the ongoing event, Nadeem nailed a massive throw of 81.1m, which put him at the summit of the leaderboard.

His attempt eventually turned out to be sufficient for him to finish at the top and bag the prestigious gold medal.

Besides him, no other participant could breach the 80-metre barrier in the competition, with the second-best throw of 70.77m made by WAPDA's Yasir Sultan, who took home the silver medal.

Pakistan Army's Abrar completed the podium as his throw of 67.68m earned him the bronze medal.

For the unversed, Arshad, who created history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first athlete from Pakistan to win a gold medal in an individual discipline, was honoured to be the flag-bearer of the ongoing National Games.

"[Honoured] to be the Flag Bearer at the National Games 2025 in Karachi," Nadeem wrote on social media. "Amazing crowd and unforgettable energy."

The star athlete also made a ceremonial throw at the star-studded opening ceremony of the event, attended by Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Sports Minister Sindh Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar and several renowned politicians, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

"It gave me goosebumps to throw in front of the Pakistani crowd — even though it was an exhibition throw, the feeling was truly special," Nadeem continued.

"Thank you to the Government of Sindh for arranging such a wonderful opening ceremony."