June 16, 2025 – Islamabad: Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s star javelin thrower and the nation’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist, has been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 South Asia 2025 list in the Entertainment & Sports category.
This annual list highlights the most influential young changemakers from across the region, and Nadeem’s inclusion marks a defining moment—not just for his personal career, but for the broader landscape of Pakistani athletics.
Now 28, Arshad Nadeem rose from humble beginnings in Mian Channu to the global spotlight. His triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he claimed gold in javelin throw with a record-breaking 92.97m throw, etched his name in the history books and placed Pakistan firmly on the international athletics map.
Prior to his Olympic success, Nadeem had already established himself as a world-class athlete, clinching gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Turkey, followed by a silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Forbes’ recognition reflects not only his athletic excellence but also his growing cultural significance in a region where sport often intersects with identity, resilience, and national pride. His achievements have inspired a generation and elevated Pakistan’s profile in global track and field.
Entertainment & Sports – Forbes 30 Under 30 South Asia (2025)
Here’s the full list of individuals and groups honoured alongside Arshad Nadeem in the Entertainment & Sports category:
To honor his historic Olympic feat, the government of Pakistan named a road in Islamabad after him. In a more personal tribute, his father-in-law gifted him a buffalo—a gesture symbolic of rural pride and affection.
With more World Championship events on the horizon, Arshad Nadeem continues to carry the hopes of millions as he redefines possibilities for South Asian athletes on the global stage.
