Arshad Nadeem Hints at Potential Showdown with Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championships

Arshad Nadeem Reveals Potential Showdown with Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist, recently clinched his second victory of 2025 at the Ostrava Golden Spike event, achieving a throw of 85.29 meters in the javelin competition. The event, orchestrated by Chopra's personal coach and world record holder Jan Zelezny, included notable competitors such as Rio Olympics gold medalist Thomas Rohler.

This win follows Chopra's recent triumph at the Paris Diamond League title last week. Earlier in the season, he secured second place behind Germany's Julian Weber at both the Doha Diamond League meet and the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial event.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion, was absent from these four events. Nadeem has strategically focused on training in Pakistan this season. He did participate in the Asian Athletics Championship last month, an event Chopra chose to skip, where he won a gold medal with an 86.40-meter throw.

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

The World Athletics Championships are scheduled to take place in Tokyo from September 13-21, where both Nadeem and Chopra are anticipated to compete.

Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics last year by setting a new Olympic javelin record with a throw of 92.97 meters. This achievement prevented Chopra from defending his gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics.

Recently, Nadeem served as the chief guest at a World Olympic Day celebration in Lahore. During the event, he shared his thoughts on his accomplishments and offered encouragement to aspiring athletes.

"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.

He also inspired young athletes, emphasizing the importance of determination and hard work. "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."