Pakistan’s athletics contingent delivered a landmark performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 in Riyadh, securing a remarkable 1–2 finish in the men’s javelin throw. Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem successfully defended his title with a best throw of 83.05 metres, while rising talent Yaser Sultan marked an outstanding international debut by winning silver with a throw of 76.04 metres.
These medals also stand as Pakistan’s first gold and silver of the ongoing Games.
Held at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, the javelin final turned into a showcase of Pakistan’s growing prowess in athletics. Arshad dominated the field with a throw that came on his second attempt, an effort that reflected his trademark composure and competitive discipline. His complete series measured 75.44m, 83.05m, 82.48m, 77.06m, one invalid attempt, and 77.98m.
Competing in his first major international final, Yaser Sultan sealed the silver medal with a clutch final-round throw, edging out Nigeria’s Samuel Adams by just three centimetres. His performance has already positioned him among Pakistan’s most promising emerging athletes.
The double podium finish lifts Pakistan’s overall medal count at the 2025 Games to four, following earlier bronze medals won by boxers Qutrad Ullah (men’s 55kg) and Fatima Zahra (women’s 60kg).
With 38 countries participating in the Games, Turkey currently leads the medal table with 65 gold and 130 total medals. Uzbekistan stands second with 25 golds and 79 total medals, followed by Iran with 21 golds and 62 total medals.
For fans inside the stadium and across Pakistan, the moment proved deeply emotional as the national flag was raised twice during the medal ceremony, a rare and proud sight in regional athletics.
The Pakistan Olympic Association celebrated the achievement as a “historic 1–2 victory,” while Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised Arshad as a “national hero,” extending congratulations to his coaching team and family.
While Arshad’s throw fell slightly short of his season-best mark at the Asian Championship, his consistency reaffirmed his position among the world’s elite javelin throwers. Yaser’s silver medal further strengthens Pakistan’s standing in the discipline and signals a promising trajectory for the country’s athletics programme.
Pakistan’s javelin sweep not only elevates the nation’s presence at the Islamic Solidarity Games but also fuels renewed optimism among fans, showcasing a future where Pakistani athletes continue to deliver on the international stage.
