Arshad Nadeem's 92.97m Leap sets new benchmark in Olympics

Paris, Aug 09: Arshad Nadeem clinched the gold medal in the men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, ending the nation's 32-year medal drought. Nadeem's exceptional performance not only secured Pakistan's first individual gold medal but also set a new Olympic record.

The 26-year-old athlete from Mian Channu had a dramatic start, registering a no-throw in his first attempt. However, Nadeem shocked spectators and competitors alike with his second throw, launching the javelin an astounding 92.97 meters.

This monumental effort not only secured his victory but also shattered the previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters, set by Andreas Thorkildsen of the Netherlands at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Nadeem's throw now stands as the sixth-longest in history and the best in the world this year. It marks Pakistan's first track and field medal and only the second time a South Asian athlete has reached the podium in this category at the Olympics.

The silver medal went to India's Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, who managed a throw of 89.45 meters. Grenada's Anderson Peters secured the bronze with an 88.54-meter throw, his first Olympic medal.

The final reignited the Pakistan-India rivalry that Nadeem and Chopra have maintained over the years. Last year, the duo finished first and second respectively at the World Athletics Championships, with Chopra taking gold on that occasion.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Nadeem on social media, stating, "You've made the whole nation proud young man."