‘NADEEM’S DONE PAKISTAN PROUD’
Commonwealth javelin gold medallist on his feat and ‘bromance’ with Neeraj Chopra
ARSHAD NADEEM claimed Pakistan’s first Commonwealth Games athletics gold medal since 1966 after finishing top of the table in the javelin competition.
The 25-year-old also became the first south Asian to break the 90-metre barrier with his winning throw of 90.18m, a Games record, in Birmingham last Sunday (7).
“Due to prayers of the nation, Allah (God) has rewarded me a gold medal,” said Nadeem.
“However, I thanked my physicians who had worked with me during my training,” added the athlete, who had niggling elbow and knee injuries during the tournament.
Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Nadeem’s achievement, saying: “What amazing news to wake up to early this morning! Arshad Nadeem has done Pakistan proud by winning the first gold medal in Commonwealth Games. His consistency, passion & hard work hold lessons for our youth. Congratulations Arshad on your brilliant achievement.”
The country’s cricket captain Babar Azam is one of Nadeem’s many supporters. Applauding his feat, Azam tweeted, “Jism toota howa tha per himmat Himalaya se bhi buland thi (His body may have been injured but his courage was greater than the Himalayas).”
Meanwhile, one of the first people to congratulate Nadeem was India’s Olympic javelin gold medalist, Neeraj Chopra.
“Congratulations Arshad bhai for gold medal and crossing 90mtr with new games record. Aage ke competitions ke liye all the best (all the best for future competitions),” said Chopra, who missed the competition through injury.
Earlier, Nadeem had spoken of their friendship, saying they were part of “one” family.
“Neeraj bhai is my brother. I miss him here. May God give him the best of health and I get to compete with him soon,” Nadeem said.
The ‘bromance’ has been brewing between the duo ever since they took part in the South Asian Games in 2016 in Guwahati, Assam, where Chopra won the gold medal and Nadeem got bronze.
“He is a good person. Initially, you tend to be a bit reserved. When you get to know each other, you tend to open up,” said Nadeem.
“We have a very good friendship. I hope he keeps performing for India and I keep performing for my country. We both have made an impact. We are like one family.”
His fifth-place finish at the World Championships in Oregon, in the US last month, was a creditable achievement for Nadeem, who was coming back from injury after the Tokyo Olympics. However, he is still carrying the same elbow injury. “After the Tokyo Olympics, I participated in the Worlds after a long gap. I am feeling good about my game. I have an elbow injury and getting treated for it.”
Chopra’s gold at the Tokyo Games captured the imagination of the entire nation and made him an overnight star. Nadeem hopes the same can happen to him.
“The way Neeraj bhai has got a lot of fame in your country [India], I have got a lot of support from my government and the people. I am really grateful for that,” said Nadeem, who hopes to compete in India again soon.
His coach Syed Hussain Bukhari said he wishes to see Chopra competing with Nadeem in Pakistan.
“My wish is to see Arshad and Neeraj compete at a packed stadium in Lahore or Islamabad. Neeraj is also like our son,” said Bhukari.
“I, as a Pakistani, promise you that if Neeraj wins, we will shower him with the same love we showered on Milkha Singhji when he won against Abdul Khaliq in Lahore in 1960. Athletes share a common bond of love for sports,” he added.