LAHORE: Olympic javelin throw champion Arshad Nadeem says he is ready to “give his best” as he heads to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old stunned the sporting world at the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a record with a 92.97-meter throw to win Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in four decades. On Tuesday, he trained at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium just hours before leaving for Tokyo, hurling the javelin beyond 85 meters in practice.
“I always target to do my best in every event, and I am going to Tokyo with the same mission. The rest is in God’s hands,” Arshad told reporters.
Rivalries and Self-Belief
When asked about his much-hyped rivalry with India’s Neeraj Chopra, Arshad kept his focus inward.
“I compete with myself,” he said, adding he was “well prepared” for the challenge ahead.
The qualifying round in Tokyo begins September 17, with the final set for September 18. Arshad expects to face the same elite field he overcame in Paris.
From Injury to Recovery
Since Paris, the star thrower skipped two Diamond League events in Poland and Switzerland due to fitness concerns. Earlier in May, he had clinched gold at the Asian Athletics Championship in South Korea with an 86.40m throw.
Arshad underwent rehabilitation in England last month under Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa’s supervision. His medical team now says he is fully fit.
“Arshad has passed all the fitness tests. He has recovered from his calf injury,” said Dr. Asad Abbas Shah.
Scholarship Boost
In a show of support, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Arif Saeed personally awarded Arshad an Olympic scholarship during Tuesday’s training session.
The program will provide the athlete $1,125 per month until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Six other Pakistani athletes across shooting, table tennis, and taekwondo will also benefit from the initiative.
“I thank the nation, media, and POA for supporting me,” Arshad said. “I need prayers to once again raise the Pakistani flag with a gold medal.”
