Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan has declared he is fit, hungry, and “competing only with himself” as he prepares to chase the world title at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo next week.
Nadeem, who underwent calf surgery in the UK earlier this year, eased all doubts about his participation by returning to full training in Lahore from Tuesday.
I am fit and raring to add a world title to my Olympic gold medal. Just like all athletes come for gold after doing extra hard work, I have also done hard work and am confident of a gold.
‘Not Against Neeraj, But Against Myself’
While fans are hyping another showdown with India’s Neeraj Chopra, Nadeem insists he has a different outlook.
I compete with myself and don't consider others. Whether it’s Neeraj, Webber or anyone else, I compete with my own expectations and with the expectations of my countrymen.
He compared the contest to a duel: “It is just like wrestling—two wrestlers come into the arena, one wins and the other loses. Neeraj and I both come after tough training. This time too, we will enter with the same zeal and the will to win the gold.”
The Rivalry in Perspective
Nadeem famously out-threw Chopra at the Olympics last year with a record-breaking 92.97m effort to clinch gold, leaving Chopra with silver.
Since then, Chopra has continued to add to his glittering résumé — Diamond League champion, world champion, and Olympic medallist once again in Paris 2024. Under new coach and javelin legend Jan Zelezny, the Indian star pushed his personal best to 90.23m in Doha earlier this year.
Yet, he still needs to cross the 92m mark to truly challenge Nadeem’s record, having managed just 85.01m in the Zurich Diamond League final, where Germany’s Julian Webber stole the show with a 91.15m throw.
Comeback from Injury
Despite missing several events, including the Silesia Diamond League, Nadeem feels battle-ready.
I am confident of my preparation and by the grace of Almighty I will achieve the best results. All other athletes have their aims, I have mine, so whoever throws the best will win the gold.
He downplayed the impact of his injury-troubled year: “Neeraj is in form, yes, but injury is part and parcel of sport. My recovery is great, my momentum can come with just one good throw, and my coach Salman Butt keeps me motivated.”
Respect for Chopra
The Pakistani star also underlined the respect between him and his Indian rival.
I congratulate him when he wins, and he congratulates me when I win. It is mutual respect. Even our mothers spoke to each other after the Olympics. That’s the spirit of sport.
Haunted by Last Worlds, Motivated by Paris
Reflecting on the last World Championships, Nadeem admitted fear held him back. “I had recovered from a knee injury but was cautious. I couldn’t throw with full power because I feared recurrence. That’s why I couldn’t beat Neeraj then.”
But Paris, where he struck Olympic gold, transformed him: “Paris was the best thing to happen to me. I was 100 percent focused and proved myself. It still gives me goosebumps—it changed my life and made people fall in love with javelin. That’s my biggest achievement.”
Tokyo Awaits
Now, with focus sharpened, Nadeem is clear about his mission: “I will try my best to be the best thrower in Tokyo. My aim is simple — gold.”
