Pakistan's Javelin King Reigns Supreme in Riyadh
Pakistan's celebrated javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, has once again proven his dominance on the international stage by clinching a spectacular gold medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh. The athlete delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium, sealing the top spot on the podium with a massive 83.05-meter throw.
A Memorable 1-2 Finish for Pakistan
The victory was made even sweeter as his compatriot, Muhammad Yasir Sultan Mayo, secured the silver medal with a superb final attempt of 76.04 meters, completing a memorable one-two finish for Pakistan. This outstanding achievement pushed Nigeria's Samuel Adams Kure, who recorded 76.01m, into the bronze medal position.
Arshad, who was the defending champion from the previous edition of the Games, began the final with a solid 75.44-meter throw, immediately taking control of the competition. He reached his peak in the second attempt, unleashing the decisive 83.05-meter throw that secured the gold medal. He further underlined his dominance with another powerful mark of 82.48 meters.
Yasir, meanwhile, saved his best for last. After a series of consistent middle-range attempts, he produced his brilliant 76.04-meter silver-winning throw on his final attempt, narrowly edging out the Nigerian competitor.
A Triumphant Comeback and National Pride
This golden victory marks a strong and emotional comeback for Arshad Nadeem, coming just two months after a disappointing exit at the World Athletics Championships due to fouls and narrow misses. His performance in Riyadh signals a powerful resurgence and renewed confidence as he sets his sights on future global competitions.
Soon after his victory, an elated Arshad stated, "Alhamdulillah! After recovering from my injury, I was able to compete in the Islamic Solidarity Games and bring home the gold once again. This victory means a lot to me as it marks a strong comeback. I am now even more determined and focused on winning more international medals for my country."
The javelin event featured eight competitors from six nations, but none besides the two Pakistanis came close to the 80-meter mark, reaffirming their regional supremacy in the discipline.
Pakistan's success extended beyond the javelin arena on a heartening day for the national team:
- In boxing, Qudrat Ullah (men’s 55kg) and Fatima Zahra (women’s 60kg) claimed bronze medals after reaching the semifinals.
- In Kurash, Arusha Saeed delivered Pakistan’s first-ever bronze in the women’s 57kg event.
The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) celebrated the remarkable achievement, calling it 'a powerful 1–2 finish that lifted the nation’s pride'. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi also extended his congratulations, hailing Arshad as 'a national hero who continues to make every Pakistani proud' and praising his resilience and dedication.
