“Maal Ikatha Karna Hai”: Arshad Nadeem’s response to Stumps Internet reporter

Arshad Nadeem created history by becoming the first Pakistani athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Nadeem threw a monstrous throw of 92.97 m to break the Olympic record and win the gold medal in the men’s javelin event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The throw left everyone in awe and was enough to beat India’s Neeraj Chopra, who won silver with a season’s best throw of 89.45 m. After his Olympics triumph, Nadeem has been busy with media interactions and a moment from an interview went viral on social media. In the video, the reporter asked Nadeem – “What’s the plan now?” and he replied – “Maal ikatha karna hain (I need to collect things)”.

Reporter: what’s your next plan?

Arshad Nadeem: abhi daughterl yahi plans hai k “Maal” akatha krna haipic.twitter.com/qwk2nl8icS

– Mr. Zia (@iammrzia) August 12, 2024

Nadeem then clarified that he was referring to money when he said “maal” and added that his desire is to perform the Hajj pilgrimage with his parents, children and wife. “We’ll see when that happens,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan may be gifting its Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem with cash prizes and other valuable prizes, but his father-in-law has decided to gift the burly javelin thrower a buffalo as it suits rural upbringing and tradition.

Muhammad Nawaz told local media in Nadeem village on Sunday that gifting a buffalo is considered “very valuable” and “honorable” in his village.

“Nadeem is also proud of his roots and despite his success, his home remains his village and he still lives with his parents and siblings,” said Nawaz.

The father-in-law added that he had four sons and three daughters, and that his youngest daughter, Ayesha, was married to Nadeem.

Nawaz further revealed that the couple has two sons and a daughter.

(With PTI inputs)