Arshad Nadeem Included in Forbes ’30 Under 30′ South Asia List

Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem, celebrated for securing Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medal, has achieved another significant recognition. He has been named in Forbes ’30 Under 30′ South Asia list for 2025.

This esteemed annual Forbes list acknowledges the most impactful young leaders, innovators, and change agents in the region.

Nadeem’s selection underscores not only his remarkable athletic accomplishments but also his increasing cultural influence throughout South Asia.

The 28-year-old is the first track-and-field athlete from Pakistan to receive this distinction, marking a milestone for Pakistani athletics on the international stage.

Last year, Nadeem garnered worldwide attention by breaking the Olympic javelin record with an impressive throw of 92.97 metres at the Paris Olympics.

This historic achievement secured Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medal, concluding a medal drought spanning over three decades.

Forbes commended his performance as a ‘stunning show’ and recognized him as a pioneer for South Asian athletes.

Continuing his success, Nadeem recently secured another gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships, further solidifying his status as a premier javelin thrower globally.

To date, he has claimed five gold medals in major competitions, establishing his position among the sport’s elite.

Nadeem joins a distinguished group of international sporting figures on Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’, which includes Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown and Indian chess talent Gukesh Dommaraju.

Nadeem initially gained prominence with his gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, followed by a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

He has accumulated four gold, one silver, and four bronze medals across various events, encompassing the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, South Asian Games, and Asian U20 Championships.

Currently, he is preparing in England for the World Athletics Championships in September, the only major event where he has yet to win gold.