LAHORE MIRROR — Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable journey at the World Athletics Championships reached its pinnacle on Sunday as he unleashed a season’s best throw of 87.82 metres.
This incredible feat propelled him from sixth place to a formidable second, just trailing behind India’s illustrious Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra.
Neeraj Chopra had set an imposing benchmark early on with his first legitimate throw, reaching an impressive 88.17 metres. Despite Arshad’s valiant efforts in the subsequent three attempts, he couldn’t conjure the magic of his 90.18-metre throw that had clinched gold for him at the Commonwealth Games the prior year.
Nevertheless, Arshad etched his name in history in the Hungarian capital by securing Pakistan’s maiden medal at this biennial track and field spectacle, a remarkable second place. This achievement reignites hopes that he could potentially end Pakistan’s prolonged Olympic medal drought at the forthcoming Games in Paris.
What a day! Tiring yet rewarding. Like to thank Allah for this giving me the ability to go this far. This was the first time in the history of Pakistan that any Pakistani athlete won a medal at the World athletics championships pic.twitter.com/DaZDeRNyq7
— Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadOlympian1) August 28, 2023
Arshad’s triumph is even more remarkable considering the circumstances. This marked his first international appearance in a year, after enduring surgeries on his elbow and knee subsequent to his victorious performance at the Islamic Games. The arduous journey of rehabilitation paid off as he demonstrated his prowess by achieving an 86.79-metre throw during the qualifying rounds.
The final showcased Arshad’s indomitable spirit. Despite a less-than-ideal start that saw his first throw covering a distance of just 74.80 metres, his determination soared with each subsequent attempt. Progressing from a fourth-place moment after reaching 82.81 metres in his second try, he finally concluded the round in the sixth position.
Arshad’s third throw catapulted him into the gold medal contention, firmly trailing only Chopra, as the field was narrowed down to eight participants after the initial three rounds. His relentless pursuit of the top prize was evident in his fourth attempt, which touched the 87.15-metre mark. Although he faltered in the fifth round, the battle for supremacy intensified.
The gripping contest between Pakistan and India reached its crescendo in the final round, where Arshad sought to elevate his performance. However, his javelin fell short at 81.86 metres. Despite missing out on the gold, the silver medal was a triumphant culmination of his efforts. In a heartfelt moment, Arshad prostrated himself, symbolizing Pakistan’s proud entry onto the podium in the realm of athletics.
Arshad’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and resilience. Emerging from a year of rehabilitation and personal struggle, he not only reclaimed his former prowess but also heralded a new era of athletic achievement for Pakistan on the global stage.
