Pakistanis were all praises for Arshad Nadeem on Wednesday after he went through to the ultimate of the men’s javelin at the Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 85.16 meters.
Nadeem’s throw was third-best of the day behind India’s Neeraj Chopra (86.65m) and world leader Germany’s Johannes Vetter (85.64m).
The 24-year-old thrower from Khanewal finished above Germany’s Julian Weber and Czech’s Jakub Vadlejch to win his group and an area within the medal round — a performance that got his coach out of his seat applauding.
Even though the event was aired before 7 am Pakistan civil time, Nadeem’s performance was quick to garner the eye of netizens, who prayed for the athlete to bring home a trophy within the final scheduled for August 7.
Journalist Ajmal Jami kept it simple, saying it had been “great news to start out your day with”.
A great news to start your day with. Gooood Maaaarning, Pakistan! #Goodluck #ArshadNadeem https://t.co/oiUbpclL8G
— Ajmal Jami (@ajmaljami) August 4, 2021
“From Mian Channu to Tokyo … Arshad Nadeem qualifies for the javelin throw final … grit is written all on his face,” said PTI MNA Andleeb Abbas.
From Mian Channu to Tokyo…Arshad Nadeem qualifies for the Javelin Throw final…Grit written all on his face…#Pakistan #ArshadNadeem #TalentPk pic.twitter.com/ycqdPQY8Oz
— Andleeb Abbas (@AndleebAbbas) August 4, 2021
Martial arts champion Kulsoom Hazara called it a “brilliant performance” and wished Nadeem better luck for the ultimate. “We are pleased with you!”
https://twitter.com/kulsoomkarateka/status/1422796825547919362
The official Twitter account for the ruling PTI also congratulated Nadeem and wished him luck for the ultimate.
https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1422799273943502852
“[Nadeem] is taken into account to be one among the best javelin throwers in South Asia. His personal best — a throw of 86.38 — is among the highest 10 throws of the season. Wish you all the simplest,” said PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan.
Congratulations Arshad Nadeem for qualifying for the medal round at #Olympics Arshad is considered to be one of the finest javelin throwers in South Asia. His personal best – a throw of 86.38 – is among of the top 10 throws of the season. Wish you all the best @Arshadnadeem76 pic.twitter.com/ksh6oqXC1l
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) August 4, 2021
Former reality TV host Waqar Zaka — who had earlier pledged to offer Nadeem $5,000 if he managed to secure a medal at the Olympics — called it a “super-performance”.
I will personally give 5000 USD for Arshad Nadeem, if he is able to get Gold or silver or even Bronze in Olympic 2020, javelin throw competition, his event will start after few hours at 6:35AM, & I strongly believe 90m mark is coming, Inshallah #comeonarshadnadeem
— Waqar Zaka (@ZakaWaqar) August 3, 2021
He also offered words of recommendation for “influencers”, saying: “We should keep posting about Olympic 2020 to make awareness.”
“This is so, so, so GOOD!!” said PCB official Emmad Hameed.
This is so, so, so GOOD!! ❤️#ArshadNadeem pic.twitter.com/sl6ZxOZQDG
— Emmad Hameed (@Emmad81) August 4, 2021
