Paris, August 7, 2024: Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem has secured his place in the final of the javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics, thanks to a powerful performance in the qualifying rounds. Speaking to Dawn.com from Paris, Nadeem expressed his gratitude to his supporters, saying, “Thank you for your prayers, and please continue praying for my success in the final.”
Nadeem, 27, achieved a season-best throw of 86.59 meters with his first and only attempt in the qualifier round at the Stade de France on Tuesday. This impressive performance not only secured his place in the final but also showcased his readiness for the upcoming challenge.
In a heartfelt video message to Dawn.com, Nadeem said, “Assalamo alaikum, Allah has blessed me with a lot of honour, thanks to your prayers. I have qualified for the javelin finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics; this is the result of your prayers.”
With the final set to take place on Thursday, August 8 at 11:25 pm PST, Nadeem remains optimistic and fervent in his appeal for continued support. “I’m ecstatic that with the help of your prayers, I qualified for the final in my first throw only,” he added. “Please continue praying for me so I can perform my best and win a medal for Pakistan.”
Nadeem’s qualification comes amidst a competitive field. India’s Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, led the qualifiers with a massive throw of 89.34 meters, also a season best. Grenada’s Anderson Peters followed with a throw of 88.63 meters, while Julian Weber of Germany secured fourth place with a 87.76-meter throw.
Kenya’s Rio 2016 silver medalist placed fifth with an 85.97-meter throw, which was a season best, and Brazil’s Luiz Maurício da Silva set a personal best with an 85.91-meter throw to rank sixth. Czech athlete Jakub Vadlejch’s 85.63-meter throw landed him in seventh place, while Finland’s Toni Keranen made an impressive Olympic debut with an 85.27-meter throw, securing eighth place. Andrian Mardare of Moldova completed the top ten with an 84.13-meter throw, also a season best.
As Nadeem prepares for the final, he remains Pakistan’s sole hope for a medal, and the nation’s eyes will be on the javelin event as he aims to make history in Paris.
