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Arshad Nadeem Advances to Olympic Javelin Final, Seeks Nation’s Support

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic final, setting a season-best mark of 86.59m in his first and only attempt during the qualifier round at the Stade de France.

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In a video message from Paris, Nadeem expressed gratitude for the support he’s received. “Allah has blessed me with great honor, thanks to your prayers,” he said. “I’m thrilled that I qualified for the final in my first throw.”

The 27-year-old athlete now stands as Pakistan’s sole medal prospect in the Paris Olympics. He urged the nation to continue their support, stating, “Please keep praying for me so I can perform my best and win a medal for Pakistan.”

The javelin final is scheduled for Thursday, August 8 at 11:25pm PST.

In the qualifier, several of Nadeem’s rivals also secured their spots with single throws. India’s Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, led the field with an 89.34m throw. Grenada’s Anderson Peters (88.63m) and Germany’s Julian Weber (87.76m) rounded out the top four.

Other notable qualifiers included Kenya’s Julius Yego, Brazil’s Luiz Maurício da Silva, who set a new South American record, and Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch.

Nadeem’s performance has raised hopes for Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics, building on his success at previous international competitions.