Hurdles forced athletes to quit, says Arshad

PARIS: Arshad Nadeem who along with his coach left here for Pakistan on Saturday claimed that he stood up to all challenges.

Talking to the media just before his departure, he said he faced some of the worst hurdles in his career as an athlete. “Several talented athletes and javelin throwers either got injured or were forced to leave their careers as an athletes,” he added.

“A time came in my career where I thought on the same lines,” the Olympic Games record holder said. “When injury struck me hard and there was no one around to help me out, I was considering calling it a day. But I decided not to bow and keep on fighting. There were a few well-wishers who saw talent in me and stressed that these hurdles are not permanent. So I kept on working hard under the guidance of my coach Salman Butt. He worked on me, making sure that I faced no hurdles on my way to earn a place among the best in the world,” he said.

Arshad said that to begin with he started his career as a fast bowler to excel and earn a place in the national cricket team one day.

“But people told me that earning a name in cricket and that too as a national team member is not without the support of “a lobby. You need promoters and supporters to boost your credentials in cricket. So I decided to quit pursuing the cricket and started concentrating on javelin throw.”

He said that there was no support for athletes in the country, not even a ground where they could start training anytime they wanted.

“There should be a permanent stadium for athletics in the country where youngsters can get training whenever they want.

“I don’t want youth to face the same difficulties as I did during my career. All I want is a stadium solely meant for athletics in all major cities of the country.”

His coach Salman Butt also complained about the non-existence of sports and athletics culture in the country.

“We need to develop a culture which could help a talented youngster to progress in the best possible way. I know no one is there to support or guide a genuine talent. You need to develop a system under the guidance of proper coaches to help youngsters out.”

Salman Butt said that he knew well that there is a dearth of finances. “Yet the budget with the federal and provincial governments is enough to cater to the requirements of young and upcoming talent. I pray and hope that this gold medal won by Arshad set new standards and help in improving players’ plight.”

‘No role of any govt in Arshad’s success’

Syed Shahid Ali, a member International Olympic Committee (IOC) who awarded gold medals to javelin throw winners, said no government or institution could claim Arshad Nadeem’s success as his “talent is above the rest”.

Talking to a group of journalists just outside the Stadia de France, where he awarded medals to javelin throw winners, he said that no government (federal or provincial) could claim to have any hand in his success.

“Arshad struggled throughout his career. No one can claim to have had any hand in his success. He is an exceptional talent, one above the rest and only he should be given all the credit for staying steadfast and making all-out efforts to reach his prime. Arshad should be proud of what he has achieved amid the toughest of times he faced,” he said.