ARSHAD NADEEM’S record-breaking javelin throw in Paris won Pakistan its first Olympic medal in over three decades, and first individual gold medal.

Pakistanis were jubilant in praising Nadeem, however, his rare triumph exposes rather than vindicates the policy orientations of Pakistan’s ruling elite, which tried to take credit for the victory.

Nadeem himself defied all odds. It was reported that Nadeem was unable to get even a proper javelin to practise with months prior to the Olympics, a sport for which athletes in most other countries practise for years. A father of two, Nadeem was forced to work while finding time to practice so that he could realise his dreams.