Fayyaz willing to step in as coach for next month's Islamic Games in Riyadh

Fayyaz Hussain Bukhari, national javelin coach, credited with shaping Pakistan’s top throwers, including Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and rising star Yasir Sultan, has formally requested the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to include him in the official contingent for the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 to be held in Riyadh from November 7-21.

In a letter addressed to the Director General of PSB Yasir Pirzada, Bukhari has expressed disappointment over his exclusion and urged the board to recognize his vital contribution to the country’s athletics achievements.

In a written appeal to PSB, Bukhari has called for his nomination as the official javelin coach for the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025. Bukhari, who currently coaches Asian bronze medalist Yasir Sultan, emphasized the importance of having an athlete’s personal coach present during major international competitions.

“I have been coaching Pakistan’s top javelin athletes under both PSB and the Pakistan Athletics Federation (AFP), and I was also officially appointed to train Yasir Sultan during the recent training camp for the Islamic Games,” Bukhari stated in his letter.

“Despite this, I have not been included in the contingent, which is both discouraging and unfair.”

The letter highlights the recent achievements of his athlete Yasir Sultan, who has shown consistent progress on the international stage. Under Bukhari’s coaching, Sultan has also won silver at the 2024 Asian Throwing Championship and a gold at the 2024 National Athletics Championship in Multan.

Bukhari noted that he was officially appointed to train Yasir Sultan in preparation for the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 under an allowance of Rs30,000. However, he said, that he is not being provided with any hostel or food allowance.

He urged the PSB to consider offering him a long-term coaching contract to ensure stability in the training of elite javelin athletes. “With the right preparation and support, both Arshad and Yasir are strong contenders for medals at the Islamic Games, and Yasir is even capable of achieving the Olympic qualification mark,” Bukhari added.

“But the absence of a personal coach can significantly affect performance at that level,” he was quick to add.

Calling on the PSB to assess the matter on merit, Bukhari reiterated that a coach’s presence plays a critical role in maintaining an athlete’s focus, technical precision, and confidence during top-tier competitions.

The veteran coach concluded his letter by affirming his continued dedication to Pakistan’s athletics scene and expressed hope that his contributions would be duly recognized.