ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem clinched the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Asian Athletics Championship with an impressive throw of 86.40 meters.
India’s Sachin Yadav earned the silver with a throw of 85.16 meters, while Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama secured bronze after registering 83.75 meters.
Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who had led in the early rounds, narrowly missed out on a podium finish, ending fourth with a throw of 83.27 meters.
This marked Nadeem’s return to international competition following his historic performance at the Paris Olympics last year. He opened with throws of 75.64m and 76.80m before launching his gold-winning attempt.
Pakistan’s second entrant, Yasir, managed throws of 70.53m and 75.39m in the early rounds.
In a gripping finale, Nadeem, last to throw, was met with roaring applause and chants of “Dil Dil Pakistan” from the crowd. Rising to the occasion, he delivered a decisive throw that secured the title.
During the heats a day earlier, Nadeem had effortlessly booked his place in the final with an 86.34m throw on his first and only attempt. Yasir had posted a 76.07m throw to qualify.
After advancing to the final, Nadeem had shared a message on Instagram: “As always I would need your support and prayers.”
In August last year, Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics by setting a new record and winning gold with a throw of 92.97 meters.
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