Pakistan’s track and field athlete Arshad Nadeem has become a national sensation after ending the country’s 32-year Olympic gold medal drought with his recent victory in Paris.
However, the 27-year-old has attracted controversy due to a conversation with Harris Dar, a leader of the United Nations-designated terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has drawn criticism from some netizens.
Arshad has, so far, not reacted to the viral video surfaced.
Lashkar-e-Taiba is classified as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, and Muhammad Harris Dar serves as the Joint Secretary of the Milli Muslim League (MML), a political party established by LeT terrorist Hafiz Saeed.
MUST READ: Bangladesh Crisis: Former Bangledesh PM Sheikh Hasina Accused Of Murder Along With Six Others
The MML is widely seen as a front for LeT. Hafiz Saeed is notorious as the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in 166 deaths.
In 2018, the U.S. Treasury Department labeled the MML and its central leadership, including Muhammad Harris Dar, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Dar has been associated with LeT activities, particularly in his role with LeT’s student wing, Al-Muhammadiya Students (AMS), where he was involved in training camps focused on first aid, firefighting, weapon skills, and assault tactics.
Even before Pakistan’s Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem could rejoice his victory with family & loved ones, he’s run into controversy for hobnobbing with terror affiliates
Photographs emerge of Pakistan’s Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem with joint secretary of Milli… pic.twitter.com/2f37vb2oKe
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) August 13, 2024
Dar is also known for his anti-India rhetoric, frequently making incendiary statements at public gatherings. In one such instance, he compared India’s situation in Kashmir to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, expressing hope that India would face a similar outcome in Kashmir.
Nadeem achieved a world-record throw of 92.97 meters in the Men’s Javelin final to secure the gold medal. Although his Indian competitor Neeraj Chopra was the favorite to win a second consecutive gold, Chopra’s best throw was 89.35 meters. Despite the competition, both athletes showed mutual respect and camaraderie.
Upon his return to Lahore, Nadeem received a hero’s welcome at the airport, with the government organizing a victory parade in his honor. Additionally, he will be awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, a cash prize of PKR 153 million, and a gold crown for his remarkable achievement in Paris.
“I was even confident of throwing beyond 92.97m”
Following his performance, Nadeem thanked everyone who kept him in their prayers and credited his fitness for the performance he gave. He also vowed to work harder moving forward and target throwing breaking his own record.
As quoted by a leading news channel, he stated, “I am thankful to the nation. Everyone prayed for me, and I was hopeful of doing well. Over the years, I got a knee injury and recovered, and worked hard on my fitness.”
He added, “I was even confident of throwing beyond 92.97m, but that throw was enough for me to get the gold. I will continue to work hard and give my best in the days and months to come. I am planning to throw beyond this mark as well.”
