Organisations In Pakistan Slammed For Taking Credit On Arshad Nadeem's Historic Olympic Gold Medal

Achieved in the backdrop of systemic failure and administrative apathy, only Arshad Nadeem knows about the struggles he faced and sacrifices he made on his way to winning a historic Olympic gold medal in Paris. But back home in Pakistan, the ones who were supposed to provide him with way more than what he eventually got are busy taking credit for his landmark success. The list incudes the Pakistan Sports Board, Inter Provincial Coordination Ministry (sports), and the government.

The attempts to take credit come despite the fact that just a few months before the Paris Olympics, Nadeem had to request that he be provided with a new javelin as his old one had become worn out after years of use.

Compared to the other athletes who took part in the Paris Olympic javelin throw finals including Indian superstar Neeraj Chopra, Nadeem did not get to train under the best coaches or compete consistently in international events because of shortage of funds.

Prior to the Olympics, he also underwent a knee surgery and was left with no option but to train in oppressive heat at the Punjab Sports Complex with dozens of other amateur athletes.

But that has not stopped the government, the state-run Pakistan Sports Board, the Pakistan Olympic Association, and even Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif from taking credit for his success.

The premier was the first to congratulate Nadeem but what has left Pakistanis surprised is the claim that it was his vision which allowed him to be groomed for the ultimate medal.

A video, released immediately after the javelin throw finals by the PMO, shows the premier jumping up and clapping after Nadeem's success with the minister for sports in Punjab telling him, "Sir yeh aap ka vision tha, aapne isko chance diya"