Pakistan’s javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has secured a spot in the Olympic final after a strong performance in the qualification round at the Stade de France.
Nadeem achieved a throw of 86.59 metres, placing second in Pool B behind India’s Neeraj Chopra.
Nadeem, celebrated for his achievements on both national and international stages, aims to break Pakistan’s 32-year Olympic medal drought.
However, his journey in Paris has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding his conduct and the actions of the Pakistani contingent.
Reports of arrogance and unprofessionalism have emerged, with journalists and sponsors expressing frustration over limited access to Nadeem.
His coach, Salman Butt, reportedly refused interview requests, hindering media coverage of the athlete’s journey.
Journalist Natasha Raheel, covering the Olympics as Pakistan’s first female accredited journalist, highlighted the challenges faced in accessing Nadeem and the contingent.
“The attitude of the Pakistani team in Paris has been unnecessarily arrogant, making it difficult to cover their journey,” Raheel stated.
Nadeem’s journey from a humble background in Mian Channu to the Olympic stage is remarkable.
However, the current controversy raises questions about his management and the approach of the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) towards media and sponsorships.
Despite the challenges, Nadeem remains focused on his goal of winning a medal for Pakistan.
His presence at the Olympics is a testament to his dedication and talent, yet the broader concerns about conduct and professionalism persist.
As Nadeem prepares for the final on August 8, the spotlight is not only on his performance but also on how the team addresses the criticisms that have emerged during the Paris Games.
The outcome will determine not only the sporting success of the athlete but also the reputation of Pakistani athletics on the global stage.
