Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem and Asian Championships 2023 bronze medallist Yasir Sultan claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively, in the javelin throw final at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.
Competing at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Arshad and Yasir entered the event as the strongest contenders, boasting the best seasonal throws among the seven participants.
Arshad delivered an impressive series of throws, opening with 75.44 metres, followed by a powerful 83.05-metre throw — his best of the event — and then 82.48 metres on his third attempt. His fourth throw measured 77.06 metres, comfortably securing him the top podium position.
Yasir Sultan earned the silver medal with a commendable throw of 76.04 metres, ensuring a strong one-two finish for Pakistan.
Arshad had also claimed gold at the 2022 Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, where he set the Games record with a throw of 88.55m.
This edition marked Yasir Sultan’s debut at the Islamic Solidarity Games, and he rose to the occasion with a best throw of 76.04m, delivered in his sixth and final attempt.
His silver was fiercely contested by Nigeria’s Samuel Adams Kure, who managed 76.01m on his fifth attempt.
Yasir surpassed him by a narrow margin to secure second place.
The gold-silver finish elevated Pakistan’s overall tally to four medals at the Games. These also mark the country’s first gold and silver medals of the current edition.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated Arshad Nadeem, calling him a true national hero.
“Arshad Nadeem has made every Pakistani proud once again. His victory is a victory for a nation that loves sports and peace,” he said, praising Arshad’s coach and family as well.
Naqvi added that Arshad had “won everyone’s hearts” by raising Pakistan’s flag high on the international stage.