Cricketers join celebrations as Arshad Nadeem creates history

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem on Sunday ended Pakistan's 56-year medal drought in Commonwealth Games by claiming the gold medal in Birmingham.

Despite carrying an elbow injury and without a coach, he stepped up and created history with his resilience and brilliance.

He won the javelin throw final at the Alexander Stadium with a 90.18-metre throw and became the first South Asian to cross the 90-metre barrier.

The 25-year-old surpassed world champion Anderson Peters, former Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott and former Commonwealth, as well as, world champion Julius Yego. It is Pakistan's first athletics gold medal since 1966 and its first javelin gold.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricketer fraternity applauded Nadeem's incredible feat and took to Twitter to express admiration for the special talent.