Pakistan's Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem's Independence Day speech goes viral for all wrong reasons | WATCH

New Delhi: Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, fresh off his historic gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics 2024, delivered his first Independence Day speech on Wednesday. Nadeem, who became Pakistan's first-ever individual Olympic champion, secured the gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters. His Indian rival, Neeraj Chopra, who had claimed gold at the Tokyo Olympics, won silver in Paris with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters.

Nadeem also recorded the second-best Olympic throw of 91.79 meters during his final attempt in the javelin competition, further solidifying his place in Olympic history. The 27-year-old from Mian Channu village in Punjab Province received a hero's welcome upon his return to Lahore, with celebrations and cash rewards pouring in to honor his achievement.

What has Arshad Nadeem said in viral video?

In a video circulating online, Nadeem, dressed in a white shirt and green jacket, addressed the nation on Independence Day, urging unity among Pakistanis. "On Pakistan's Independence Day, I appeal to the people of Pakistan to take a pledge on this day that we stay united, just like how the entire nation was united when I clinched the historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics," Nadeem said.

Ye Desh hi Meme hai 😂
Pakistan Gold Medalist 🥇Arshad Nadeem wishes his country on their Independence day; 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 🤲😭 pic.twitter.com/qXkezzXPUS

— Mihir Jha (@MihirkJha) August 14, 2024

He continued, "I wish you stand by me and, like how I have changed my profile pictures on social media for August 14th stating 'United we stand,' I want all of you to stand with me and change your profile pictures. Let's show the world that 'United we stand.'"

Snoring noise in background

However, Nadeem's speech quickly went viral for an unexpected reason—a loud snoring noise in the background. The unusual sound caught the attention of netizens, who shared the video widely and found humor in the unexpected interruption.

Nadeem overtakes Chopra

Nadeem was considered a strong contender for gold in the javelin event after finishing fourth in the qualification round with a throw of 86.59 meters, while Chopra led with 89.34 meters. In the final, after committing a foul in his first attempt, Nadeem launched a 92.97-meter throw in his second attempt, securing the gold and ending Pakistan's 32-year medal drought at the Summer Games.

Nadeem had previously competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he finished fifth with a best throw of 84.62 meters, falling just short of Neeraj Chopra’s gold-winning throw.