Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, has expressed his support for the country’s javelin star, Arshad Nadeem, as he prepares for the final event at the Paris Olympics 2024.

In a heartfelt video message, Babar conveyed his best wishes to Arshad, who qualified for the javelin throw final with an impressive throw of 86.59 meters in his first attempt during the qualification round on Tuesday. This outstanding achievement has heightened hopes for Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medal in 62 years.

“I wish him good luck. I request everyone to support and pray he wins the final. Chak De Phatte Arshad Nadeem,” said Babar, rallying the nation behind the athlete.

Arshad, buoyed by the encouragement, expressed his determination to make Pakistan proud. “I want to make Pakistan proud in the Olympic games. I am optimistic about delivering a good result in the final,” he said.

The final, set to begin at 11:25 PM Pakistan Standard Time on Thursday, August 8, has garnered significant attention, especially with India’s Neeraj Chopra also qualifying with an impressive throw of 89.34 meters in his first attempt.

Reflecting on the healthy competition with Chopra, Arshad added, “I hope Chopra and I will make our respective countries proud. He is a good friend, and we will focus on the final round.”

Arshad Nadeem’s journey to the final has been nothing short of inspirational. He claimed a silver medal at the World Athletics Championship in 2023 and won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 with a massive 90.18-meter throw, becoming the first Pakistani athlete since 1962 to achieve this feat in athletics.