Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem will not face Indian ace Neeraj Chopra in Asian Athletics Championship

Dubai: Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem is setting his sights on gold at the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship taking place in Gumi, South Korea from May 27 to 31. The event marks his highly anticipated return to major international competition since his stellar showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Olympic gold medalist told reporters in Lahore on Wednesday that he has undergone five months of intensive training to prepare for the continental showdown. “This is my first big competition since the Olympics. I have been working extremely hard and staying fully focused on delivering my best performance,” he said.

Neeraj Chopra skips the event

Nadeem stands good chance to win gold at the upcoming event because his strongest rival, India’s Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra will skip the event. Chopra chose instead to compete in the Doha Diamond League on May 16 and the Neeraj Chopra Classic on May 24. India will be represented in the men’s javelin throw by Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh.

Chopra and Nadeem are, currently, the top stars in the world of javelin throw. During last Olympics in Paris, Nadeem threw an Olympic record of 92.97 metres for victory while India's defending champion Neeraj Chopra took silver with 89.45.

Biggest challenge

Pakistan’s Nadeem, who holds international record in javelin throw, said that his biggest challenge lies within. “My toughest competitor is always Arshad Nadeem. When I give my best, I am confident I can bring home the gold,” he added.

Looking beyond the Asian Championship, the 28-year-old athlete has his eyes on gold in events where he has yet to top the podium. “I am aiming for gold at the World Championships, the Asian Games, and the Diamond League,” he added.

Nadeem also confirmed his long-term ambition to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “The year before the Olympics will be all about preparation,” he added.