Arshad undergoing structured rehab ahead of Islamic Games

England-based orthopedic surgeon Dr Ali Sher Bajwa, who has been overseeing the rehabilitation of Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, has stated that a structured rehab program is currently underway to restore the world-class athlete to peak fitness.

Dr. Bajwa had also accompanied Arshad during the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where the javelin thrower struggled, finishing tenth in the 12-man final with a throw of 82.75 meters.

“We are monitoring Arshad day by day and implementing a structured rehabilitation plan,” Dr Bajwa told Nukta from England. “It’s a complex process that involves balancing short-term goals with the long-term protection of the athlete. I am working closely with his coaching team. The priority during this consolidation phase is to prepare him for a stronger return next year."

Dr Bajwa had earlier performed surgery on Arshad’s left calf, hardly a few weeks before the championship. Although Arshad appeared physically fit before the event, he experienced tightness in the calf during the qualifying round.

However, in the final, visible fitness issues hindered his performance, preventing him from reaching his expected peak.

Upcoming assignment

After a short period of rest following the World Championships, Arshad has resumed training at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore. where he is preparing for the Islamic Solidarity Games set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 21.

Arshad will be defending his title at the Islamic Games, where he remains Pakistan’s top gold medal prospect.

In the previous edition of the Games held in Turkey in 2022, Arshad delivered an outstanding throw of 88.55 meters, not only securing gold but also setting a new Games record.

Arshad’s journey to top

The 28-year-old thrower’s journey has been one of consistent progress, steadily rising through the ranks.

He earned a bronze at the 2016 South Asian Games in India to stamp himself on the international scene.

He also claimed silver at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a superb throw of 87.82 meters, narrowly missing gold to India’s Neeraj Chopra, who threw 88.17 meters.

Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem of Team Pakistan celebrates on the podium on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France.AFP

And then came his crowning achievement, a monumental gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters.

Looking ahead, Arshad has a packed competitive calendar in 2026, including the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.