Upon returning from the Paris Olympics, where he secured a historic gold medal in the javelin throw with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem has been showered with accolades and rewards. However, one gift stands out—a buffalo from his father-in-law.
Muhammad Nawaz, Nadeem’s father-in-law, shared with local media that in their village, gifting a buffalo is seen as a mark of respect and honor. This traditional gesture reflects the strong cultural ties and deep-rooted values of their rural upbringing. Nawaz, who resides in Nadeem’s village, emphasized that despite Nadeem’s international success, he remains connected to his roots, living with his parents and siblings in their native village.
Nadeem, who clinched gold at the Paris Olympics, outperformed India’s Neeraj Chopra to achieve this milestone. Nawaz proudly noted that Nadeem continues to value his origins and retains a humble lifestyle despite his achievements.
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Nawaz also revealed that when he decided to marry his daughter, Ayesha, to Nadeem six years ago, the athlete was still working modest jobs and training with limited resources. His dedication and passion for javelin throwing, which he practiced in village fields, were evident even then.
The couple, who now have two sons and a daughter, lives in Khanewal, Punjab. Nadeem’s rise to fame is a testament to his perseverance and the support from his community, which played a crucial role in funding his early competitions abroad.
Nawaz expressed immense pride in Nadeem’s accomplishments, highlighting his respectful nature and unwavering commitment. The children of Nadeem and Ayesha have started attending the local primary school, while the youngest is still quite young.
In sum, while Nadeem’s achievements have brought him significant recognition, his connection to his roots and the unique traditions of his village remain central to his identity.
