Sri Lankan artist Mueen Saheed has honored Pakistani Olympian Arshad Nadeem with a dedicated painting titled “The Throw,” celebrating his historic gold medal achievement at the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
Nadeem made history in August by setting a record-breaking 92.97m javelin throw, securing Pakistan’s first Olympic gold since 1992. Saheed, who recently concluded an art cultural tour in Pakistan, showcased his work at major exhibitions in Lahore and Islamabad.
As part of his tour, Saheed presented the painting to the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), where it now joins the institution’s permanent collection. The artwork features an abstract depiction of Nadeem and his mother, rendered through Saheed’s signature brushstrokes and mosaic-like squares.
During the presentation ceremony in Islamabad, attended by PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Saheed praised Nadeem’s resilience and humility. He highlighted the athlete’s sportsmanship, particularly his camaraderie with Indian competitor Neeraj Chopra, as a symbol of unity through competition.
Tarar commended Saheed’s tribute, emphasizing Nadeem’s role as a national hero whose journey inspires audiences across borders. The painting not only celebrates Nadeem’s achievements but also underscores the power of art and sport to bridge cultural divides.
