I was a cricketer, but my coach told me to focus on Javelin: Arshad Nadeem

Arshad Nadeem became the first-ever ever athlete from Pakistan to win an individual Olympic Gold when he pipped India's Neeraj Chopra in the Javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics on Thursday (August 8). He not only finished top but set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 metres at the Stade de France. 

Following his historic victory, the 27-year-old interestingly revealed that he dreamt of becoming a fast bowler, but his coach convinced him otherwise.

“I was a cricketer, I played table tennis and I also participated in athletics events. But my coach told me I have got a very good physique for the javelin throw and I concentrated on Javelin only from 2016,” Nadeem said.

It is no secret that cricket is a popular sport in Pakistan, and many youngsters dream of taking up the sport at the highest level. 

However, since he chose to focus on Javelin throw, Nadeem, who was born in Mian Channu, a small village in Khanewal district in Punjab province, has gone on to win gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2024 Olympics, silver at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, and bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.

“I am thankful to the nation. Everyone prayed for me and I was confident of doing well. I come from a farming village and every time I win a medal I think about my origins and that motivates me to do better. I had to go through very tough times to make it to this stage. That's why I want to become more successful,” he said.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.