Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie invites Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem
Jason Gillespie, Pakistan cricket team's red-ball coach, has invited men's javelin thrower and 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, to visit the team dressing room. This invitation comes after Nadeem's historic throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He set a new Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97m, securing Pakistan's first Olympic medal since the 1992 Barcelona Games. Nadeem finished ahead of India's Neeraj Chopra, who took home the silver medal. Here's more.
Nadeem's victory celebrated by the Pakistan cricket team
Nadeem's victory has been celebrated across Pakistan, including by the national cricket team. The Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for the home series against Bangladesh, starting August 21. The series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Gillespie expressed his desire for ace javelin thrower Nadeem to share his gold medal winning experience with the team on the PCB Podcast, stating that it would provide a significant morale boost.
Nadeem's return sparks nationwide celebration
Nadeem returned home from Paris on August 10 to a hero's welcome in Lahore. His victory has made him a national icon in a country traditionally dominated by cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) played a significant role in Nadeem's success, sponsoring him after initial difficulties in procuring javelins and other necessary equipment for training.
Nadeem's success inspires Pakistan's cricket team
Nadeem's record-breaking performance has put Pakistan on the global sports map. Despite recent setbacks, including a disappointing group stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup, his success serves as an inspiration for the national cricket team. Red-ball skipper Shan Masood stated on the PCB Podcast that Nadeem's achievements motivate them to seize their opportunity to do something good for Pakistan.
Nadeem makes history at the Olympics
Nadeem stunned one and all by walking away with the gold medal event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He clocked a throw of 92.97m in the final, which is now an Olympic record. As his last throw traveled 91.79m, Nadeem now owns the top two largest throws in the history of the multi-sport event. Nadeem became the first athlete to register two 90m throws in the final of an Olympics.
Nadeem breaks Olympic record, enters unique club
Nadeem broke the Olympic record of Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen, who managed 90.57m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As mentioned, Nadeem now owns the two best Olympic throws. As per Sportstar, Johannes Vetter of Germany is the only other javelin thrower who has surpassed the 90m mark more than once in a final (4 in 2017 Lucerne Diamond League).
Sixth best throw of all time in men's javelin
Overall, Nadeem recorded the sixth-largest throw in the history of the sport. He is now also an Asian record holder. Here are the best throws in men's javelin: Jan Zelezny (CZE) - 98.48, Johannes Vetter (GER) - 97.76, Thomas Rohler (GER) - 93.90, Aki Parviainen (FIN) - 93.09, Andersen Peters (GRE) - 93.03, Arshad Nadeem (PAK) - 92.97.
