Written by Amaan Akhtar
Arshad Nadeem’s inspiring rise from a poor youth in a village in Punjab, Pakistan, to a record- setting gold medalist at the Paris Olympics is now well-known in the sporting world. However, it’s his humble personality and open embrace of his Islamic faith have inspired a whole new generation of kids.
After Nadeem’s last major victory at the 2023 Commonwealth Games, he said the following: “I was very much in prayer while competing in the Commonwealth Games. When I threw my spear… It was a state where I was in surrender; I was in another world. I felt like I was with Allah in that moment, because that is a certain kind of experience.”
So when Arshad Nadeem immediately dropped to his knees in Sujood after winning his gold medal on August 8th, it was his way of thanking Allah SWT for giving him strength and skill at that moment on the biggest stage. He prayed in the moment, resulting in a throw of 92.97 meters—a new Olympic record and enough to earn the gold medal. This was Pakistan’s first gold medal in 40 years and the first individual gold medal in the nation’s history.
The Rise of a Champion
Born in Mian Channu, Punjab, Pakistan, Arshad Nadeem grew up in a humble family. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for sports, excelling in various disciplines. Surprisingly, javelin throw wasn’t his primary sport. He fell in love with cricket at a young age and excelled in it. Nadeem started playing district-level cricket until one day in 7th grade when he caught the attention of Rasheed Ahmad Saqi during a sporting event. Saqi, well-known for training pro athletes and having a history of developing athletes in the division, began training Nadeem soon afterward. Nadeem also competed in other sports like shot put and discus throw. Eventually, his father convinced him to pick up javelin throwing. Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited resources and training facilities, Arshad’s dedication to his craft never wavered.
His rise to prominence began when he participated in national competitions, quickly making a name for himself with his powerful throws. His unwavering perseverance paid off when he won a gold medal at the 2019 South Asian Games, setting a new national record. This victory was just the beginning, as Arshad continued to break barriers and shatter records on his way to international recognition.
Faith and Determination
Arshad’s journey to Olympic glory was not easy. However, his faith played a crucial role in his success. As a devout Muslim, Arshad often speaks about his belief in Allah as a source of strength and motivation throughout his career. His faith has guided him through difficult times, reminding him to remain patient and steadfast in the face of adversity.
For many Muslims, Arshad’s story resonates deeply. It serves as a reminder that with faith and perseverance, anything is possible. His success challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslim athletes, proving they can excel at the highest levels of international competition.
Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic gold medal is more than just a win for Pakistan. His journey from a small village to the pinnacle of global sports is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and perseverance. As Muslims around the world celebrate his achievement, Arshad Nadeem stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration, proving that with dedication and trust in Allah, even the loftiest dreams can become a reality.