Every story has a hero who inspires the nation and is loved for his sacrifices according to Joseph Campbell, an American literary critic. Campbell once said, “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder….a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure."

Arshad Nadeem's story, much like the mythical heroes Campbell wrote about, began with a call to adventure. Born into a family of modest means, Arshad’s life was not one of privilege. The son of a laborer, he was no stranger to hardship. Yet, within him burned a quiet determination, a drive that set him apart. In the absence of formal training or proper equipment, Arshad’s journey into the world of javelin began not with state-of-the-art gear, but with a bamboo stick he fashioned himself—a symbolic departure from the ordinary into the extraordinary.

In the grand arena of the Paris Olympics, Arshad faced his ultimate challenge. Much like the hero who must confront the final ordeal, he stood before the world’s best, armed not just with his physical strength but with the spirit of a nation behind him. His gold medal-winning throw, which shattered records and stunned spectators, was the culmination of years of perseverance and sacrifice. A hero’s decisive victory!

Then the hero’s return, the moment where the journey’s purpose is fulfilled, , not just for the hero, but for those who believe in him. Since his victory on 8 August 2024 in Paris, where he triumphed over his subcontinental rival Neeraj Chopra of India, who claimed silver, Nadeem has become a national sensation in Pakistan. His story, much like the hero’s journey Campbell described, resonated with a universal truth—the power of determination, hard work, and the courage to pursue one’s path, no matter how difficult.