Paris: Around 13 years ago, when Rashid Ahmad Saqi first laid eyes on Arshad Nadeem, he saw more than just a tall teenager; he saw potential for greatness. At a local school-level competition in Mian Channu, located in Punjab Province, Pakistan, the 14-year-old Arshad was participating in almost every track and field event. However, it was his gold medal performances in the javelin throw and shot put that truly captured Coach Saqi’s attention.
Although Arshad was deeply immersed in athletics, his dream at that time was to become a fast bowler. But that dream took a new direction that very day, as Saqi decided to mentor him in the art of javelin throwing. “He was tall, with broad shoulders. I knew he could be a world-class javelin thrower, so I started training him,” Saqi, Arshad’s childhood coach, shared in an interview.
Saqi, whose father migrated to Pakistan from Gurdaspur after the partition in 1947, runs a hotel and restaurant in the city. A passionate sports enthusiast with a background in various sports, Saqi stepped in to support Arshad financially whenever needed, recognizing the young athlete’s potential despite his modest background.
“When I began coaching him, the first piece of advice I gave was to maintain his character. To this day, he follows it religiously. He never walks ahead of me when we are together, always opens the car doors for me, and lets me take the seat first. This is the level of respect he shows, and it’s this humility that has brought him success,” Saqi reflected.
Nadeem’s journey reached its pinnacle when he not only broke the Olympic record with an astounding 92.97m throw but also became the first individual athlete from Pakistan to win a gold medal at the Games.
Arshad stayed connected with his childhood coach throughout the competition, speaking to him before and after the qualification rounds, and even dialing him up before the finals. “I told him that not only would he qualify, but he would also set a record. This morning (Friday), he called to congratulate me,” Saqi recounted.
While most athletes possess a chiselled physique tailored for peak performance, Arshad’s burly build is more reminiscent of the fast bowler he once aspired to be. Saqi dispels the notion that his robust frame is due to a love for food. “He’s not a foodie. Dal, chapatis, and green vegetables are his preferred meals. He’s not particularly fond of chicken, but he loves Punjabi lassi.”
Arshad hails from the Sukhera Rajput community, and according to Saqi, athleticism runs in his blood, with all his siblings being tall and well-built. Arshad’s eldest brother, Shahid, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We all engage in sports, but Arshad never gave up despite the challenges.”
The joy of Arshad’s triumph is shared with Neeraj Chopra, as they secured the top two positions at the world’s biggest stage. “It wasn’t easy for Arshad,” Shahid explained. “He underwent surgeries before the Games but never lost hope of competing in Paris. There were times when he didn’t even have a proper javelin, yet he never let that stop him from winning medals. This gold medal is a testament to all the hard work put in by him and his coaches, including Saqi sahab,” Shahid concluded.
