Paris Olympics: Babar Azam backs Arshad Nadeem ahead of javelin throw final

Pakistan's white-ball cricket captain, Babar Azam has joined diehard supporters and is cheering on Pakistan's javelin star Arshad Nadeem who is set to be in action in the event's final on Thursday at the Paris Olympics 2024. 

Arshad qualified for the event final with an impressive throw of 86.59m in his first attempt during the qualification round on Tuesday earning him the praise of Babar. 

Babar recorded a supportive video for Arshad, hoping and backing the javelin thrower to win an Olympic gold medal for Pakistan, ending the country's 62 year long drought. 

"I wish him good luck. I request everyone to support and pray he wins the final. Chak De Phatte Arshad Nadeem," the captain stated in the video.

As for Arshad, he is more than ready to bring the Olympic glory home as he prepares for the final.

"I want to make Pakistan proud in the Olympic games. I am optimistic about delivering a good result in the final," Arshad told Geo News.

Besides, India’s Neeraj Chopra also qualified for the final after an impressive throw of 89.34 metres in his first attempt.

"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 added.

The final will begin at 11:25pm (Pakistan Standard Time), on Thursday, August 8.

Nadeem claimed a silver medal at the World Athletics Championship in 2023, while he won gold in the Commonwealth Games 2022, becoming the first Pakistani athlete since 1962 to pull off this feat in the discipline of athletics, with a massive 90.18 metre throw.