Arshad Nadeem says he’s focusing on World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

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Arshad Nadeem Javelin throw gold Arshad Nadeem, of Pakistan, competes during the men's javelin throw qualification at the Paris 2024 Olympics. (AP Photo)

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra won his second event of 2025 after a 85.29m throw was enough for him to claim the javelin throw title at the Ostrava Golden Spike event. The event is organised by Neeraj’s personal coach Jan Zelezny, who holds the current javelin throw world record. Besides Neeraj, Rio Olympics gold medallist Thomas Rohler was also competing in the event.

The victory marks Neeraj’s second win of the year after he claimed the Paris Diamond League title last week. Before this, he ended second in a couple of events to Germany’s Julian Weber, notably at the Doha Diamond League meet and at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial event.

All the four events did not see reigning Olympic champion from Pakistan Arshad Nadeem competing. Arshad has been training in Pakistan and has competed selectively this season so far. Arshad did compete at the Asian Athletics Championship last month, which Neeraj had skipped. There, the Pakistani javelin thrower had secured a gold medal with an 86.40-meter throw.

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo from September 13-21.

Talking to reporters back in Pakistan a few days before the Ostrava Golden Spike event, Arshad was asked about his plans for the season.

“My focus is on the World Athletics Championships and I am working hard for that,” Arshad said. “It is very hot in Lahore. I am going to England soon and will be training there for a month.”

Arshad had shattered the Olympic javelin record with a throw of 92.97 metres at the Paris Olympics last year, pipping Neeraj to the top of the podium. Arshad’s gold medal also prevented the Indian from defending his own gold from the pandemic-affected Tokyo Olympics.

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Arshad was the chief guest for a World Olympic Day celebration in Lahore earlier this week.

“It is a matter of pride for athletes to celebrate this day and I am proud that I am celebrating it as an Olympic gold medallist for the first time,” Arshad said. “My message to the youngsters is to stay focused. I came from a small place and won a gold medal. So, if they work hard, they too can win medals.”

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