Arshad named in Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia list

LAHORE: Star javelin-thrower Arshad Nadeem — Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medallist — has added yet another feather to his cap, earning a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 South Asia list for 2025 in the Entertainment & Sports category.

The prestigious list, unveiled annually by Forbes, highlights the region’s most influential change makers and Arshad’s inclusion underscores not only his athletic excellence but also his cultural impact. At 28, he becomes the first Pakistani track and field athlete to be featured, marking a defining moment for athletics in the country.

His inclusion alongside global icons such as Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown, Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, and K-pop sensations Stray Kids, reflects the international resonance of his journey.

The Forbes nod comes as Nadeem prepares for upcoming world championship fixtures, with the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. Known for his discipline and raw power on the field, he has helped redefine Pakistan’s presence in international track and field, inspiring a new generation of athletes.