Arshad Nadeem, who made history by winning Pakistan’s first ever individual Olympic gold medal, has been named in Forbes ’30 under 30 Asia List for 2025.
The 28-year-old Javelin star surprised the world at Paris Olympics 2024 with a record-breaking 92.97 m throw, a performance forbes called a “fantastic show.”
His victory not only crushed the Olympic record, but also ended a three-year-old drought to Pakistan.
The Forbes list, published last month, highlights rising stars in sports and entertainment throughout the continent. Nadeem’s name was officially confirmed in the spotlighted group Monday.
His golden throws not only earned him global recognition – he was also awarded over RS153 million in prize money by the Punjab and Sindh governments along with other rewards from various public and private organizations.
The government honored Nadeem by naming a road in Islamabad after him, and Pakistan Post released a special stamp on the independence day to celebrate his results.
Just last month, Nadeem proved his dominance again by winning gold by the Asian athletics championships with a throw of 86.40 meters, just shy for the meeting. It was Pakistan’s first gold at the event for over 50 years.
His consistent performance throughout the event, which was uncovered by this remarkable throw, secured him the top place on the podium.
The top Pakistani Javelin throws also secured a gold medal at the final of the Asian athletics championship.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the athlete with the magnificent victory as he continues to make the nation proud.
Nadeem’s hometown, Mian Channu, broke out in the festivities as news of his victory spread, which brought tears of joy and cheer from proud supporters.
Nadeem first shot for fame with his gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, and he followed it up with a silver at the World Cup in 2023 in Budapest.
So far, he has won four gold, one silver and four bronze medals in various events, including the Olympics, World Cups, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, South Asian Games and Asian U20 Championships.
Now he is on his way to England to train for the World Athletics Championships in September, the only great competition where he has not beaten gold yet.
