Picture Credit: X
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem etched his name in the history books as he became first individual to win Olympic gold for the country. The Pakistan javelin thrower, who competed alongside some of the greats of the game, including Neeraj Chopra from India, Anderson Peters of Grenada, also set an Olympic record with his 92.97m throw, which came in his second attempt in the men’s javelin throw on August 8 at the Stade de France.
Celebrations began since the time he threw the monstrous 92.97m began in his home country after which received a hero-like welcome. After a welcome to remember, Nadeem was also honoured with several awards from several genres of life, which included PKR 1 million prize money from cricketer Ahmad Shahzad, PKR 100 million from the Chief Minister of Punjab state and prize sum of PKR 50 million and PKR 1 million from Chief Minister of Sindh and Ali Zafar, respectively.
But the most prized gift he received was from his father-in-law, a buffalo. It is to be noted that buffalo goes well with the rural upbringing and is considered “very valuable” and “honourable” in Nadeem’s village, his father-in-law Mohammad Nawaz told media. “Nadeem also takes pride in his roots and despite the success, his home still remains his village and he still lives with his parents and brother,” he further added.
Recalling Nadeem’s marriage to his youngest daughter, Ayesha, Mohammad Nawaz added Nadeem had very limited means to train and travel abroad for competitions, but he had the hunger to well in sports, leading him to train in fields. “When we decided to marry our daughter to Nadeem six years back, at that time he used to do small jobs and run errands but was extremely passionate about his sport and constantly practised throwing the javelin at home and in the fields, Nadeem's father-in-law added.
“Whenever he comes to our house he never complains about anything and eats whatever is there at our home,” further highlighting of his nature while speaking of his family, as Nadeem and his wife has two sons and a daughter.
