Pakistan look set for javelin glory at Islamic Solidarity Games

Due to the ongoing administrative turmoil in Pakistan sports, hopes for a commendable showing at the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games remain slim. Yet, in the men’s javelin throw the nation stands a realistic chance of clinching medals.

Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and Asian bronze medalist Yasir Sultan are both strong contenders as the Games commence on November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, continuing through November 21.

If recent performances of top javelin throwers across the Islamic world are any indication a throw in the range of 80 meters could secure a podium finish, a mark both Pakistani athletes are capable of surpassing.

Arshad is undergoing training under his coach Salman Butt, who, despite being handed a lifetime ban by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) for allegedly conducting unconstitutional elections of the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA), has been issued air ticket to accompany Arshad to Riyadh on November 14.

A source within the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) revealed that Butt’s case will be heard by adjudicator Pervez Rasheed on November 6 which could determine his official status. “His penalty could be overturned,” the source said.

Meanwhile a source close to Butt said that adjudicator has now given them a new date of November 13 following their request to delay it.

Meanwhile, Yasir Sultan, whose personal best stands at 79.93 meters, is in peak form and expected to mount a serious medal challenge though he will travel without a coach. The athletics contingent also includes high jumper Sharoz Khan and his coach Tanvir Hussain with Col Nabeel serving as team manager.

Arshad had previously brought Pakistan glory by throwing a record 88.55 meters to win gold at the 2022 Islamic Games in Turkey after securing bronze at the 2017 edition in Baku.

In taekwondo Pakistan could spring a surprise despite stiff competition from countries with deeper roots in the sport. However, the team is entangled in administrative delays over No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for some fighters and officials.

The PSB is sponsoring a five-member squad comprising Ihtisham-ul-Haq, Manisha Ali, Fateemaah Tuz Zahraa Khawar, Hamza Omar and Iranian coach Yousuf Karami.

Yet, star athletes Haroon Khan and Shahzeb Khan, the latter an Asian gold medalist and ranked No5 globally last year, are still awaiting NOCs, along with Maliha and officials Mohammad Zubair and Saba Shaheen, causing considerable concern for the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF).

The PTF, notably the only federation to have secured high-quality international sparring partners from Iran, continues to press the PSB for urgent approvals. The squad, currently training in Islamabad under former world champion Yousuf Karami, is expected to do well.

Pakistan’s swimming contingent features eight athletes, four men and four women, set to compete from November 8 to 12. The team includes Hareem Malik, Jehanara Nabi, Mehr Maqbool, Mishael Aisha Hyat Ayub, Mohid Sadiq Lone, Syed Mohammad Daniyal Hatim, Ali Mohammad Mitha and Aryaan Rehman Khawar.

Jehanara (UK), Mishael (Singapore) and Daniyal (Dubai) will join from abroad. Rizwan Rafi will manage the team assisted by coach Mohammad Atif Shafiq. The PSB is sponsoring the female swimmers while Pakistan Swimming Federation (PSF) supports the male participants and officials.

Pakistan will also field six karatekas, Fakhar-un-Nisa, Laiba Zia, Rabia Farooq, Mohammad Ibrar, Shams Uddin and Mubarak Ali with Qurat-ul-Ain as coach and Mohammad Saleem as manager.

The team, currently training in Lahore, departs on November 8 for the competition scheduled November 11 to 12. Fakhar-un-Nisa reached the quarter-finals in the 2022 Games. Despite limited medal prospects the event offers valuable international exposure.

In wrestling Pakistan will send Haider Ali Butt, Inayatullah (Youth Olympics bronze medalist), Mohammad Abdullah and Mohammad Gulzar, coached by former world beach wrestling champion Mohammad Inam. They are training in Gujranwala ahead of the November 18 to 20 competitions.

The boxing squad, already in Riyadh, includes Fatima Zahra, England-based Laura Akram, Maria and Qudratullah, led by coach Mohammad Nisar Khan.

Pakistan’s table tennis team comprises Bisma Faryal, Kulsoom Khan, Mohammad Shah Khan, Mohammad Taimur Khan, and Hoor Fawad, managed by Ijaz Ali with Irfanullah Khan as coach.

The wushu contingent features Nimra Mubashir, Rabia Batool, Abdul Rahman, Sadam Hussain, Mohammad Awais, and Iqra, along with coach Iftikhar Ahmed Awan and manager Amir Shahzad Butt. Their event will take place from November 15 to 16.

In wushu Pakistan has a good history, also having won medals in the Asian Games and it would be interesting to see how the squad delivers in Riyadh.

Pakistan will also compete in ju-jitsu with Humira Houghan, Shahzaib Khan, and Zakir Abbas, coached by Fayyaz Feroz, as they prepare in Lahore for matches from November 20 to 21.

PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada will depart for Riyadh on Thursday as a guest, a PSB source said. According to an official notification, Pakistan’s contingent comprises 62 members across nine disciplines, though this number may increase if pending taekwondo NOCs are cleared.

Historically Pakistan’s best Islamic Games performance came in 2005 in Saudi Arabia, winning three golds and one bronze, all in tennis. In 2017 (Baku), Pakistan earned three silver and nine bronze medals while at the 2022 Turkey Games Arshad Nadeem’s javelin gold and Altaf-ur-Rehman’s para table tennis bronze stood out.