Arshad Nadeem sets sights on 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

After securing a gold medal in javelin at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Arshad Nadeem is now setting his sights on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13-21, 2025.

Arshad's historic Olympic victory came with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, marking Pakistan's first Olympic gold since the hockey team's triumph at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore on Saturday, the Olympic champion announced his return to training in October.

"I will resume training next month and will focus on the World Championship in Tokyo next year. The way I delivered in Paris I also aim to do well in Tokyo global event," Arshad told reporters.

Competition with Neeraj Chopra

In the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary, Arshad earned a silver medal with a throw of 87.82 meters, while India's Neeraj Chopra claimed gold with 88.17 meters.

However, after Arshad's remarkable performance in Paris, the spotlight will be on Neeraj to raise his game, as he has yet to surpass the 90-meter mark.

Arshad Nadeem celebrates with Pakistan’s flag after winning gold with silver medalist Neeraj Chopra of India and bronze medalist Anderson Peters of Grenada at Men’s Javelin Throw Final at Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France on Aug 8, 2024.Reuters

Neeraj, who won gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and silver in Paris, is currently preparing for the Diamond League final, will be held late Saturday night.

Arshad and Neeraj have faced off ten times since their first competition at the 2016 South Asian Games, with Arshad defeating Neeraj for the first time at the recent Paris Games.

Neeraj was absent due to injury when Arshad claimed gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Future plan

There is uncertainty regarding whether Arshad will limit his focus to major international competitions now or continue to represent Pakistan in regional events such as the South Asian Games and Asian Championships.

"My elders will decide whether I should participate in these events," Arshad responded when asked about his plans.

Arshad also shared his ambition to break the world record of 98.48 meters, set by Czech javelin legend Jan Železný.

Despite his global success, Arshad has spent much of his career living in modest accommodations at the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre in Lahore.

When asked about the facilities he expects upon his return to training, Arshad expressed hope for improvement. "Things will get better with time," he concluded.