Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic feat earns global recognition at World Sports Summit
Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic feat earns global recognition at World Sports Summit
By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan’s Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem on Monday has been honoured with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award in the Global Breakthrough Athlete category at the World Sports Summit.
Nadeem received the accolade in recognition of his historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 metres, setting new Olympic and world records. His effort surpassed the previous Olympic mark held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen for 16 years and marked Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in javelin throw.
Speaking after the ceremony, Nadeem described the award as a moment of immense pride for himself and the country, stating that international recognition would inspire young athletes and help promote javelin throw in Pakistan.
He added that his next major targets are the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, noting that receiving a prestigious sports award from the Dubai government had given him renewed confidence and motivation.
Nadeem thanked the Dubai government for the honour, saying the recognition alongside global sports stars was a source of pride for Pakistan. “The encouragement I have received here strengthens an athlete’s belief. Confidence and motivation are what a sportsman needs the most,” he said, adding that such recognition plays a crucial role in pushing athletes to aim higher.
Nadeem further revealed that he will begin formal training from January as part of his preparations for the 2026 multi-sport events, stressing that he would compete with the clear objective of winning gold medals rather than merely participating.
Established in 2008, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award recognises exceptional sporting achievements and contributions worldwide. Nadeem was the only Pakistani athlete represented at this year’s summit, which brought together leading figures from the global sports industry.
