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Arshad Nadeem, the Pakistani javelin thrower, has etched his name in history as the first athlete from his country to win an individual Olympic gold medal. At the Paris Olympics 2024, Nadeem unleashed a monstrous throw of 92.97m, shattering the Olympic record and securing the gold in the men's javelin event. His remarkable feat left the crowd in awe and surpassed India's Neeraj Chopra, who claimed the silver with a season-best throw of 89.45m.Following his Olympic triumph, Nadeem has been the center of media attention. In a recent interview, when asked about his future plans, Nadeem's response, "Maal ikatha karna hain (Need to collect things)," went viral on social media. However, he later clarified that by "maal," he meant money, expressing his desire to go on the Hajj pilgrimage with his family.Meanwhile, Pakistan has showered Nadeem with cash awards and other valuable prizes. However, his father-in-law has decided to gift him a buffalo, a gesture that aligns with Nadeem's rural upbringing and tradition. Muhammad Nawaz, Nadeem's father-in-law, explained that gifting a buffalo is highly valued and honorable in their village.Despite his success, Nadeem remains deeply connected to his roots. He still resides in his village with his parents and brothers, taking pride in his humble beginnings. Nawaz revealed that Nadeem and his wife, Ayesha, have two sons and a daughter.Nadeem's Olympic victory has not only brought him personal glory but has also inspired a nation. His determination and unwavering spirit have become a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in Pakistan. As he continues to make history, Nadeem's legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

Manu Bhaker's recent Olympic success has reignited the debate surrounding Norman Pritchard, the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal. While Bhaker has become the second Indian to achieve this feat in a single edition, Pritchard's nationality remains a subject of controversy.Born in Kolkata in 1875, Pritchard dominated the Bengal sprinting scene for seven years, setting records and winning multiple titles. He represented India at the 1900 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to compete and win an Olympic medal. However, his British heritage has led some historians to question his Indian nationality.British historians argue that Pritchard's birth into a colonial family and his participation in the 1900 AAA Championships as a member of the London AC indicate his British identity. The New York Times also referred to him as an "Englishman."On the other hand, Indian historians point to Pritchard's birth in India, his representation of India at the Olympics, and his contributions to Indian sports administration as evidence of his Indian nationality. The Field magazine referred to him as an "Indian champion," and the IOC credits India with his nationality.The controversy stems from the fact that India and Great Britain did not have registered National Olympic Committees at the time of the 1900 Olympics. This has made it difficult to definitively determine Pritchard's nationality.Despite the ongoing debate, Pritchard's achievements remain significant. He was a pioneer for Indian sports, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and often contested nature of national identity in the world of sports.

The modern Olympic Games have come a long way in terms of gender equality, with Paris 2024 setting a new benchmark as the most gender-equal Games ever. The journey to this milestone has been a gradual one, marked by significant milestones and the unwavering efforts of women athletes and advocates.When the Games were revived in 1896, women's participation was non-existent. It was not until the 1900 Paris Games that 22 women were reluctantly allowed to compete, representing a mere 2.2% of the total athletes. Paris again took the lead in 1924, with over 100 women participating, a significant increase from previous editions.The road to equality was not without its challenges. Athletics, one of the most popular disciplines, only permitted women to participate in 1928. The women's marathon event was not added until 1984. Other sports, such as swimming, fencing, and gymnastics, gradually welcomed women athletes from 1912, 1924, and 1928 respectively.The post-World War II era saw a steady increase in women's participation, reaching 34% in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in collaboration with International Federations and National Olympic Committees, has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in sports.Paris 2024 has not only achieved numerical equality but has also embraced its spirit. The Games will feature the mixed team race walking event and schedule the women's marathon as the final event, a symbolic gesture that highlights the progress made in women's sports.The journey to gender equality in the Olympics has been a testament to the determination and resilience of women athletes. From the pioneering women who broke barriers in the early 20th century to the current generation of Olympians, their contributions have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.