Representing WAPDA, Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the men’s javelin event at the ongoing 35th National Games at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, recording a best throw of 81.81 meters to finish on top of the field.
WAPDA’s Yasir Sultan secured the silver medal with a throw of 70.77m while Pakistan Army’s Abrar Ali took the bronze after registering a best effort of 67.68m.
Arshad, widely regarded as Pakistan’s javelin superstar and an Olympic gold medallist, is in the National Games where his participation and gold medal performances have given a big boost to local athletics and especially to the country’s javelin throwers.
Just two days earlier, on Saturday, Arshad had pinned high hopes on the National Games as a platform to bring new talent to the limelight.
Addressing the media during the star-studded opening ceremony at the National Bank Stadium, he said he was confident that the event would help Pakistan find promising athletes across disciplines.
“The National Games will bring forth new talent to Pakistan,” Arshad said, expressing his belief that strong performers at this year’s edition could go on to represent the country internationally. “I am sure good talent will emerge in every athletics event this time. Athletes will emerge from here and will continue to make Pakistan’s name shine on the international stage.”
He added that the best players at the Games would be invited to a national camp, with the possibility of selection for a busy international calendar next year.
“Top players from the National Games will be invited for a camp. There are plenty of events next year and they might as well represent Pakistan in them,” he noted.
The javelin thrower, who recently defended his gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, said his focus remained firmly on major international competitions, including the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Despite struggling with injury problems earlier this year, he said he was now fully fit and aiming higher.
“I performed well despite the injury this year. I’m fully fit now, and [if my fitness remains the same] I want to target the record throw,” Arshad said, stressing his determination to keep improving while inspiring the next generation of Pakistani javelin throwers.
