LAHORE: Pakistan’s leading javelin throwers, Olympian Arshad Nadeem and emerging contender Yasir Sultan, returned home on Monday after winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

Arshad, who made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by setting a new Games record with a throw of over 92 metres, secured gold in Riyadh with an effort of 83.05 metres. Yasir, a bronze medallist at last year’s Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea, produced a personal-best 76.04 metres to clinch silver — his first-ever medal of that colour at international level.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Arshad said the victory carried special significance as it came after a period of injury and rehabilitation.

“It is not easy to compete after recovering from injury. I am grateful to God, my coach Salman Butt, the Pakistan Olympic Association, the Pakistan Sports Board and all Pakistanis,” he said.

Arshad, who missed a podium finish at the last World Athletics Championships due to injury, said he was now focused on the busy 2026 international calendar.

“Gold is gold, distance does not always define the achievement. In the 2012 Olympics, the gold was won at 84 metres, so I am satisfied with my performance in Riyadh,” he added.

He also highlighted the importance of employment opportunities for athletes, noting that his career “truly began” after he joined Wapda/Lesco on a sports quota in 2015.

Yasir said winning silver at a major international event was the biggest milestone of his career so far.

“My throw was not the best, but it earned me silver and that is what matters,” he said.

He acknowledged feeling pressure while competing alongside Arshad but said his senior’s encouragement helped him settle.

Yasir pointed out several challenges, including the lack of international-standard javelins and the absence of a coach on tour.

“I usually borrow Arshad’s javelin during international events,” he said, adding that his coach had to guide him online during the competition.

A large number of fans and athletics officials gathered at Lahore airport to welcome the medal-winning athletes.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2025