Pakistan’s hero Arshad Nadeem receives gold medal at Paris Olympics ceremony

Paris:  Arshad Nadeem, who made history by ending Pakistan's 32-year Olympic medal drought, was awarded his gold medal in the men's javelin throw at a ceremony in Paris.

The medal ceremony took place at Champions Park near the Eiffel Tower, where Arshad, visibly moved, stood as Pakistan's flag was raised and the national anthem played in the background.

The 27-year-old javelin thrower became Pakistan's first individual athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. His remarkable throw of 92.97 meters in the second round set a new Olympic record, securing his victory. Arshad was the only competitor at the Paris Olympics to surpass the 90-meter mark twice, with his final throw reaching 91.79 meters.

In addition to Arshad, other medalists from the 13th day of the Olympics received their awards during the same ceremony.

Arshad's record-breaking throw surpassed the previous Olympic record set by Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen at the 2008 Beijing Games. Defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India earned a silver medal with his season-best throw of 89.45 meters. Grenadian athlete Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion, took the bronze with a fourth-round throw of 88.54 meters.

This victory marks Pakistan's first Olympic gold in 40 years, the previous ones being in hockey, with the last won at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The last Olympic medal for Pakistan was a bronze in hockey at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Reflecting on his achievement, Arshad stated, "It was my day. I could have thrown it even farther." He attributed his success to being "in the rhythm" and remained hopeful throughout the competition.

Arshad also expressed his desire to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 with his gold medal.