Arshad Nadeem didn’t seek funds to buy a new javelin for Paris Olympics

Arshad Nadeem won gold in the Olympic men’s javelin to clinch Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics.

While Arshad received congratulations from across Pakistan and India, many revealed his journey and efforts to Olympic glory without much support.

Many media outlets reported misleading and false claims that Arshad didn’t have money to buy a new javelin and was struggling to prepare for the Olympics.

An article in India’s Economics Times claims said, “Neeraj Chopra had extended his support to his Pakistani rival, Arshad Nadeem, when the latter was struggling to acquire a new javelin earlier this year.”

It added, “Nadeem revealed that he had been using the same javelin for nearly seven to eight years. The wear and tear on his equipment had reached a point where it was no longer suitable for high-level competition.”

Another article in Indian Express said, “Arshad Nadeem was quoted by the Pakistani media as saying that he had been struggling to get an international standard javelin for many years and had been using the same one for the “past seven to eight years.”

“It has now got to a stage where my javelin is damaged and I have asked the national federation and my coach to do something about it before the Paris Olympics.,” Arshad Nadeem had reportedly said as quoted in the article.

What actually happened?

Fact Check Pakistan had reported in March 2024 and denied that claims that Arshad Nadeem didn’t have funds to buy a new javelin.

Arshad Nadeem had himself denied seeking funds to participate in the Paris Olympics. In a post on social media site X, former Twitter, the athlete warned all scammers who may collect funds on his behalf.

Nadeem said he hasn’t delegated anyone to collect money on his behalf. “Please beware of such scammers,” he said, adding that he needs prayers and moral support to win the gold medal in the Paris Olympics.

The news had spread after Pakistani journalist Muneeb Farrukh claimed that Arshad Nadeem needs a new javelin as the current one is old and requires support to help him for the Olympics.

“Arshad Nadeem needs a new javelin since the one he currently has is out of shape. He is a our best chance of winning a media at the Olympics after a long gap of 32 years. Twitter do your thing. lets give our hero Arshad all the help he needs,” he said.

When asked how much a javelin could possibly cost, he said the cost is around Rs. 300,000 as it is high-grade javelin.

He also cited an article from the Express Tribune which Nadeem narrates his struggles while training and the lack of facilities. However, there is no mention that he is seeking funds to buy a new javelin.

Natasha Raheel, who wrote the article, also hit back at Muneeb Farrukh for misquoting and “shameless mooching” her article and Arshad’s name. She said that is against crowdfunding schemes and the article is not about a javelin.

Squash Player Noreena Shams said she has spoken to Arshad and he is not seeking funds to buy a javelin but has expressed gratitude for extending support.

In August 2023, Arshad Nadeem received $35,000 from World Athletics as prize money for securing a medal at the World Athletics Championship. The amount converts into well over Rs. 1 crore.