One for the ages

Throughout my lifetime, I have been told countless times by my parents about the historic moment when the Pakistan hockey team defeated the seemingly invincible Indian hockey team at the 1960 Olympics. It was a moment for the ages as Pakistan won its first ever Olympic gold medal. The whole nation was glued to the radio sets as the Pakistan team’s victory was announced. Such was the case almost 64 years ago. And such was the case on August 8, 2024, when Arshad Nadeem repeated history as he clinched the gold medal in the javelin throw for Pakistan, defeating India’s Neeraj Chopra.

Not only did he win the top spot but set a new Olympic record in the javelin throw along the way. It was a moment that gave those watching goose-bumps as we saw Arshad standing at the top of the podium wearing the gold and witnessing the green and white flag be hoisted above all the other flags and the stadium roaring the national anthem of Pakistan. Arshad has given us an opportunity to share this moment with our future generations just like our parents did with us.

Sadia Malik

Islamabad