KEY POINTS
- Pakistan celebrates double podium as Arshad secures gold, Yasir takes silver
- Nadeem claimed gold with a top throw of 83.5 metres in Riyadh.
- The double medal finish marks a major boost for Pakistan’s athletics on the global stage.
RIYADH: Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has once again brought glory to the nation, clinching a gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium in Saudi Arabia after delivering the longest throw of the competition.
In a thrilling final featuring seven athletes, Arshad dominated from the very first attempt. He opened with a throw of 75.44 metres, setting the tone for the event.
His second throw soared to 83.5 metres, the farthest of the day, securing him the top position and the gold medal. He followed up with strong attempts of 82.48 metres and 77.6 metres, demonstrating remarkable consistency and control.
Pakistan’s Muhammad Yasir also delivered an impressive performance, earning the silver medal. His series included throws of 70.32m, 73.40m, 74.40m, 73.78m, and 71.79m, firmly placing him second behind Arshad.
The double podium finish is a proud moment for Pakistan athletics, especially as Arshad continues his strong comeback on the international stage. His triumph follows widespread anticipation, with the athlete earlier appealing to the nation for prayers ahead of his performance in Riyadh.
Arshad’s gold medal adds to his growing legacy in javelin throw, reaffirming his status as one of Pakistan’s finest sporting talents on the global stage.
Besides Arshad Nadeem, no other athlete could breach the 80-metre barrier in each of their six attempts, with compatriot Muhammad Yasir registering the next-best throw of 76.04m in his final attempt, which earned him the silver medal.
Nigeria’s Samuel Adams Kure clinched the bronze medal with a throw of 76.01m, which came in the fifth attempt, and could not reclaim his second position in the standings as he managed 75.84m in his final effort.
Nadeem’s medal-clinching performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games came two months after the World Athletics Championship heartbreak, where he failed to qualify for the top eight in the men’s javelin final.
He opened with a throw of 82.73 metres, followed by a foul in his second attempt. His third throw measured 82.75m, and his fourth was again ruled a foul, leaving him outside the cut needed for three additional attempts.
