EDITORIAL: In one magical moment Arshad Nadeem filled the whole nation with joy and pride. Hurling his javelin in second attempt at 92.7m, he not only secured first place but set a new Olympic record, surpassing the 90.57m set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by Andreas Thorkidsen.

The defending champion and the crowd favourite India’s Niraj Chopra did his best with 89.45m, coming in second place. If anyone thought Arshad’s was a fluke throw, in the final round his spear landed at 91.79m. His momentous feat has won the individual Olympic gold medal for any Pakistani and first gold for the country since 1984 when the hockey team collected that medal.

As usual free from vanity Arshad later told reporters, “it’s an amazing feeling ... to win Olympic gold. I’m thankful to Allah for giving me the fruit of my labour, and to all the people back home who prayed for me. I’ll try to do even better next time around.” His medal, he added, was an “independence day gift for the country.” Of course, there could be no better gift than that.

He first came to limelight at the 2016 South Asian Games in India where he threw his javelin at 78.33m and secured a bronze medal. At the last Olympics in Tokyo where his main rival Chpora won the gold, he finished fifth with injuries. That did not dispirit him.

He soon bounced back to win several accolades going forward, relying on hard work and his coach Salman Butt whom he gave due credit while resplendent in gold glory, saying, “he ensured I came back even stronger and better”. Unlike athletes from other countries who had the best possible training Arshad had hardly any help from the government or the relevant sports bodies when he needed it most.

Notably, at the 2022 Common Wealth Games he had thrown at 90.18m to clinch the gold. In 2023, he put another gold medal under his belt in the World Athletics Championship at Budapest. Yet earlier this year when he asked for replacement of his nearly 8-year-old javelin his request met with silence from official quarters until Chopra intervened with a tweet for help.

That is when he received a new spear, and was later sent to South Africa for a three-week training, which eventually stood him in good stead in Paris. Now that he has singlehandedly fulfilled the nation’s hopes and aspirations plenty of people would want to own him.

It is about time instead of fighting for official positions in various sporting boards and federations, our sporting establishment focused on building the skill sets of up-and-coming talent in different fields, of which there is no dearth. There are many young people with exceptional abilities, especially in least prevailed sections of society, whose potential remains untapped due to lack of resources, guidance, and training facilities.

That is where our brightest star Arshad Nadeem as well as some others, including many of the best cricketers and hockey players, come from. If only adequate funds and proper training facilities are made easily accessible, many more stars can rise and make us proud again and again.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Comments

Comments are closed.

KU Aug 10, 2024 12:19pm
He is a true hero n represents real picture of common Pakistanis, who are told to struggle, always hope, have patience. Lets hope we don't forget him as we have forgotten past national heroes.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Az_Iz Aug 10, 2024 08:01pm
What an amazing and inspiring story.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Az_Iz Aug 10, 2024 08:02pm
Nothing is more inspiring and amazing than an underdog reaching the top, against all odds.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Ali Aug 11, 2024 04:08am
Is this really a gift for people that can’t even pay their electricity bill ??
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 10:52am
"BR has made a very insightful observation that the people from villages are like hidden stars—unnoticed until they rise, and when they do, the world witnesses the brilliance of their ascent.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 10:56am
"Mr. Arshad Nadeem is undoubtedly a world hero who astonished everyone with his unbreakable and unbeatable record. The brave World Champion is truly one of these rising stars."
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 10:59am
"There are many hidden stars who remain unnoticed due to a lack of education and qualifications. The authorities should consider establishing academic institutions in every district of Pakistan."
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:04am
"We are only supporting people through the BISP, but why don't we think of establishing institutions for such legendary heroes? We only wake up and take notice when a hero or a legendary star emerges.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:07am
"Of course, Pakistan needs capable leadership and officials to recognize that people from rural areas genuinely need training centers. This should be given serious consideration."
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:16am
"It is highly recommended that a well-designed sports complex addresses the diverse needs of the community while being adaptable for future growth.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:17am
The design should include facilities for a variety of sports, such as athletics, football, cricket, volleyball, and others based on local preferences.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:17am
Additionally, the complex should feature areas for training, coaching, and fitness, as well as spectator spaces. Special attention should be given to accessibility to ensure that the complex,
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:19am
Special attention should be given to accessibility to ensure that the complex is inclusive and available to everyone, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities."
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:36am
"Don't be disheartened, Iqbal; if you show a bit of affection to your barren soil, you will find that this land is very fertile, O Cupbearer."
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:51am
Funding is a significant challenge in developing sports complexes in rural areas. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in overcoming this hurdle.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:52am
Governments can allocate funds, provide land, and offer tax incentives to attract private investors. NGOs and sports organizations can also contribute by providing equipment, training,
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 11:55am
and other resources. Crowdfunding and community fundraising efforts can further supplement these financial resources, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the local population.
thumb_up Recommended (0)
Mumtaz Malik Aug 11, 2024 12:06pm
@Ali, This financial aid could help address challenges related to electricity, gas, and other critical issues."
thumb_up Recommended (0)