The Olympic Gold that eluded Pakistan for 40 years came home last night. Arshad Nadeem not just won Gold, but also set a new Olympic record with a massive throw of 92.97 meters. For perspective, Neeraj Chopra (Gold Medalist ta Tokyo 2020), had set a personal goal to break the 90 meter this year.

Let’s take a look at some past Olympic glory moments for Pakistan.

1956 Melbourne Olympics: The Beginning of Glory

Pakistan made its mark at the Olympics in 1956 when the men’s field hockey team clinched a silver medal. Facing a formidable Indian team, Pakistan displayed exceptional skill and determination, paving the way for future triumphs.

A scene from the final game where India won 1-0, securing a Gold, while Pakistan landed a silver.

Key Players:

Naseer Ahmad Bunda: Known for his incredible speed and agility on the field, Naseer was a key forward player in the 1956 team.

Munir Dar: A versatile player, Munir’s defensive skills were instrumental in guiding the team to the finals.

1960 Rome Olympics: A Historic Victory

The 1960 Rome Olympics was a landmark event for Pakistan, as the country celebrated its first gold medal in field hockey. Breaking India’s streak of six consecutive golds, Pakistan’s victory was a defining moment that united the nation in celebration. The team’s fierce determination and skillful play set a new standard for excellence in the sport.

The Gold Medal winning team of 1960.

Key Players:

Habib Ali Kiddie: Renowned for his strategic playmaking abilities, Habib was a cornerstone of the team’s success.

Muhammad Aslam: As a dynamic forward, Aslam’s scoring ability was crucial in securing victories for Pakistan.

But the triumph in Rome wasn’t limited to the hockey field. Mohammad Bashir made history by winning a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling, and becoming Pakistan’s first individual Olympic medalist. His achievement was a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the country. His victory was a significant milestone for Pakistan, marking its emergence as a competitor in individual sports on the Olympic stage.

1964 Tokyo Olympics: Silver Linings

In Tokyo, Pakistan’s field hockey team once again demonstrated its prowess, securing a silver medal after a thrilling final against India. The rivalry between these two nations added intensity and drama to every encounter, making each match a spectacle to behold.

India, Pakistan and Australia on the podium.

Key Players:

Manzoor Hussain Atif: A legendary center-forward, Atif’s leadership and vision were pivotal to the team’s performance.

Abdul Rashid Jr.: Known for his agility and precision, Rashid Jr.’s contributions were vital to Pakistan’s silver medal run.

1968 Mexico City Olympics: Gold Once More

Pakistan reclaimed its Olympic glory in 1968 with another gold medal in field hockey. This time, they triumphed over Australia in the final, reaffirming their status as one of the world’s premier hockey teams. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and dedication, with players becoming national heroes overnight.

A scene from the semi-final game against India.

Key Players:

Khawaja Zaka-ud-Din: As captain, Zaka-ud-Din’s tactical acumen and leadership skills were key to Pakistan’s success.

Muhammad Asad Malik: His exceptional skills and game intelligence played a crucial role in the team’s triumph.

1972 Munich Olympics: A Silver Finish

The 1972 Olympics in Munich saw Pakistan’s hockey team reaching the finals again, ultimately securing a silver medal after a hard-fought battle with West Germany. This period was marked by Pakistan’s consistent presence in the top echelons of Olympic field hockey, showcasing the depth of talent and passion for the sport.

This was the first time a team other than Pakistan or India won Hockey Gold.

Key Players:

Islahuddin Siddiqui: Renowned for his sharp tactics and captaincy, Islahuddin’s presence bolstered the team’s defense.

Munawwar-uz-Zaman: A versatile defender, Zaman’s contributions were invaluable to the team’s journey to the finals.

1976 Montreal Olympics: Bronze Triumph

In Montreal, Pakistan added a bronze medal to its tally, defeating the Netherlands in the third-place match. The team’s continued success in field hockey solidified its reputation as a dominant force in the sport, with fans across the nation rallying behind their champions.

This was the first time that Pakistan did not make it to the final match.

Key Players:

Shahnaz Sheikh: As a forward, Sheikh’s speed and agility on the field were instrumental in securing the bronze.

Akhtar Rasool: Known for his tactical awareness, Rasool’s defensive skills were vital to the team’s performance.

1984 Los Angeles Olympics: A Golden Comeback

Pakistan’s field hockey team made a stunning comeback in 1984, capturing gold in Los Angeles by overcoming West Germany in a thrilling final. This victory marked the country’s third Olympic gold in field hockey, reinforcing its legacy as a powerhouse in the sport. The win was celebrated with great fervor, as it represented a moment of pride and unity for the nation.

Pakistan reclaimed the top spot once again.

Key Players:

Hassan Sardar: A legendary forward, Sardar’s exceptional dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability were pivotal in the gold medal win.

Kaleemullah Khan: As a versatile midfielder, Kaleemullah’s tactical prowess and endurance were key to the team’s success.

1988 Seoul Olympics: Boxing Brilliance

While field hockey continued to shine, boxing emerged as a new beacon of hope for Pakistan. In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Hussain Shah etched his name in history by winning a bronze medal in middleweight boxing. Shah’s achievement was significant, as he became the first Pakistani boxer to win an Olympic medal, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue greatness in the ring.

Hussain Shah brought Pakistan it’s first individual Olympics medal

1992 Barcelona Olympics: A Final Field Hockey Medal

Pakistan’s Olympic journey in field hockey culminated in 1992 with a bronze medal at the Barcelona Games. The team once again defeated the Netherlands in the third-place match, marking the end of an era of dominance in the sport. This achievement served as a reminder of the country’s storied legacy in field hockey, even as new challenges emerged.

Key Players:

Shahbaz Ahmed: Often called the “Maradona of Hockey,” Shahbaz’s incredible dribbling skills and vision made him a standout player.

Tahir Zaman: Known for his tactical intelligence, Zaman’s contributions were key to the team’s success in Barcelona.

2024 Paris Olympics: Javelin Lands Gold

With only 7 athletes representing Pakistan in Paris, all eyes were on Arshad Nadeem as our only real chance at a medal. Up against the inimitable Neeraj Chopra, the nation still hoped to land1956 an Olympic medal, even if it was Bronze. Nadeem absolutely blew it out of the park in his second round, with a throw of 92.97 meters! For perspective, Chopra had set himself a personal goal of 90 meters for the event.

The man from Mian Chunnu not only broke the Olympic record, he won the first Olympic medal for Pakistan in 32 years, and first gold in 40 years!

Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s Javelin Throw Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 08, 2024. Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan celebrates. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Here’s to many more medals for Team Pakistan!