Athlete Arshad Nadeem denies seeking funds to buy new javelin

Pakistan’s top javelin throw athlete, Arshad Nadeem, has denied seeking funds to participate in the upcoming 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 clarification came after 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.

Last August 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.

The 25-year-old athlete, who achieved a throw of 87.82 meters, made history by becoming the first Pakistani athlete to win a medal at the World Championship.

In 2022, Arshad Nadeem claimed the gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG). He placed fifth at Tokyo Olympics held in 2021 and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.