Babar Azam supports Arshad Nadeem for Olympic Gold in Javelin

Lahore: Joining the ranks of enthusiastic supporters, Pakistan's cricket team's white-ball captain Babar Azam is also cheering for Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem, who is set to compete in the final at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday, hoping to end the country's 62-year medal drought.

Babar recorded a heartfelt video message for Arshad, expressing hope that the athlete would win an Olympic gold medal for Pakistan after 62 years.

“I wish him good luck. I request everyone to support and pray he wins the final. Chak De Phatte Arshad Nadeem,”  Babar stated in the video.

Arshad qualified for the final with an impressive throw of 86.59 meters in his first attempt during the qualification round held on Tuesday, earning praise from Pakistan’s captain.

Arshad is determined to bring Olympic glory home as he prepares for the final.

“I want to make Pakistan proud in the Olympic games. I am optimistic about delivering a good result in the final,”  Arshad stated.

India’s Neeraj Chopra also qualified for the final with an impressive throw of 89.34 meters in his first attempt.

“I hope Chopra and I will make our respective countries proud. He is a good friend and we will focus on the final round,” Arshad added.

The final will begin at 11:25 PM (Pakistan Standard Time) on Thursday, August 8.

Nadeem claimed a silver medal at the World Athletics Championship in 2023 and won gold in the Commonwealth Games 2022, becoming the first Pakistani athlete since 1962 to achieve this feat in athletics, with a remarkable 90.18-meter throw.