"I left cricket to pursue athletics," reveals Olympic gold-medalist Arshad Nadeem

Arshad Nadeem, who etched his name in Pakistan’s sporting history with a gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, revealed that he initially excelled at cricket but the intense competition for securing a place in the country's popular sport led him to pursue athletics.

The Pakistani star athlete shattered the Olympic record with a monumental 92.97-metre throw in the men's javelin throw event.

Speaking at a post-event press conference with his competitors from India and Grenada, Arshad said, “I was a promising cricketer and a strong bowler and played at the all-Punjab level.” 

Arshad further said that he also excelled in multiple sports, including football, kabaddi, and badminton.

The Olympic gold-medalist turned his attention to athletics and dominant in track and field events, becoming the "best athlete at the divisional level."

Despite his initial inclination towards cricket, his coach and brother, who recognised his athletic potential, encouraged Nadeem to shift his focus to javelin.

“Due to intense competition, it was difficult to secure a place in the cricket team,” he said.

Arshad was a provincial champion in athletics and won multiple medals for his exceptional performances.

He made his international debut at 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati and competed against Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra. 

Arshad shattered Pakistan's javelin record with a 78.33 metres throw and clinched a bronze medal.

During the press conference, he expressed his determination to achieve even greater success in athletics in the future.