Gumi, South Korea – June 1, 2025 – Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem once again proved his dominance in men’s javelin, securing a gold medal with a massive 86.40m throw at the Asian Athletics Championships on Saturday. The Pakistani superstar overcame a slow start to deliver a clutch final attempt, leaving India’s Sachin Yadav (85.16m) and Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama (83.75m) to settle for silver and bronze, respectively.
This victory marks Pakistan’s first gold at the Asian Athletics Championships in 50 years, further cementing Nadeem’s legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers in history.
A Thrilling Final: Nadeem’s Comeback Story
Nadeem, who holds the Olympic record (92.97m) from Paris 2024, had a shaky start in the final, recording throws of 75.64m and 76.80m in his first two attempts. However, the 28-year-old roared back with an 85.57m throw on his third attempt, taking the lead.
Despite two subsequent throws in the 83m range, Nadeem saved his best for last—launching a monstrous 86.40m in his sixth and final attempt to seal the gold. The crowd erupted as he dropped to the ground in prostration, a signature celebration for the humble champion.
Key Performances:
- 🥇 Arshad Nadeem (PAK) – 86.40m
- 🥈 Sachin Yadav (IND) – 85.16m (PB)
- 🥉 Yuta Sakiyama (JPN) – 83.75m (PB)
- 4th: Rumesh Tharanga (SRI) – 83.27m
- 5th: Yash Vir Singh (IND) – 82.57m (PB)
Nadeem narrowly missed breaking the championship record (86.72m), but his performance was enough to outclass a competitive field.
Emotional Victory: Nadeem Dedicates Win to Pakistan
Following his triumph, Nadeem took to Instagram to express his gratitude:
“This victory belongs to the Almighty first—His blessings, His will. Without His grace, none of this would be possible. To my coaches, my team, my family, and every Pakistani who prayed for me—this medal is yours. Your support fuels my journey.”
His coach, Salman Butt, praised the effort but noted that fatigue played a role:
“It was a good performance, especially since this was his first competition of the season. If there had been one day of rest between the heats and finals, he would have had more recovery and a better throw. But this is a good start.”
Historic Achievement: Pakistan’s First Gold in 50 Years
Nadeem’s gold is Pakistan’s only medal at this year’s championships, highlighting his status as the nation’s track and field icon. His journey has been nothing short of spectacular:
- 🥇 2022 Commonwealth Games (Birmingham)
- 🥈 2023 World Championships (Budapest)
- 🥇 2024 Paris Olympics (Olympic Record: 92.97m)
- 🥇 2025 Asian Athletics Championships (Gumi)
The only major title missing from his cabinet is the World Championships gold, which he will target in September 2025 in Tokyo.
Other Pakistani Athletes at the Championships
While Nadeem shone, other Pakistani athletes faced tough competition:
- Tameem Khan (Women’s 100m) – Finished 17th (12.14s) in heats.
- Shajar Abbas (Men’s 400m) – Ran 47.17s (heats) and 47.38s (semis), finishing 12th.
- Abdul Mueed (Men’s 400m) – Clocked 50.10s, placing 27th.
What’s Next for Arshad Nadeem?
Nadeem will now head to England for specialized training ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships. With his Olympic record and now an Asian gold, he is the favorite to complete his medal collection with a world title.
Final Thoughts
Arshad Nadeem’s 86.40m throw was a testament to his resilience, skill, and unshakable faith. In a sport where margins are thin, he continues to deliver when it matters most. As Pakistan celebrates this historic gold, the world awaits his next record-breaking feat.
Can Nadeem conquer the World Championships next?
