Arshad Nadeem wins Asian gold with 86.40m javelin throw

Pakistan’s Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem added another feather to his cap on Saturday as he won gold in the men’s javelin final at the Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea, with a commanding throw of 86.40 metres.

Nadeem, who made history by claiming silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a record-breaking 92.97m throw, topped the field once again, delivering a powerful sixth-round throw that sealed his victory.

India’s Sachin Yadav secured the silver medal with a personal best of 85.16m, while Japan’s Yuta Sakiyama took home the bronze with an 83.75m effort. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who had led the early stages of the competition, narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth with 83.27m.

The 27-year-old from Mian Channu had a slow start in the final, registering 75.64m and 76.80m in his first two attempts. However, he climbed the leaderboard with an 85.57m throw in his third attempt, followed by two more solid efforts of 83.99m and 83.44m.

It was in the final round that Nadeem showcased his trademark composure and strength, launching the javelin to 86.40m—just 32 centimetres shy of the championship record of 86.72m.

All eyes were on Nadeem as he stepped onto the field, with Pakistani supporters waving flags and chanting patriotic slogans. “Dil Dil Pakistan” echoed through the stadium as he readied himself for his throws, marking his first international appearance since the Paris Games last year.

In Friday’s heats, Nadeem had effortlessly booked his place in the final with an 86.34m throw on his very first attempt. His teammate Muhammad Yasir qualified with a 76.07m throw but could only manage 75.39m in the final, finishing eighth overall.

Shortly after securing his place in the final, Nadeem posted a message on Instagram: “As always I would need your support and prayers.”

The win brings Pakistan its first and only medal at this year’s championship.

Earlier in the competition, Pakistan’s top female sprinter Tameem Khan clocked 12.14 seconds in the 100m heats, placing 17th, while Shajar Abbas ran 47.17s in the Men’s 400m heats and 47.38s in the semi-finals, finishing 12th. Abdul Mueed completed his 400m heat in 50.10s, ranking 27th.

Arshad Nadeem is now expected to travel to England to continue training for the World Athletics Championships scheduled in September.