Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem qualified for the men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after third throw of 85.28 meters in Group B secured his spot, overcoming earlier struggles. Nadeem now aims for gold in the final on September 18 at the Japan National Stadium.
Nadeem faced challenges in Group B, with his first two throws at 76.99m and 74.17m falling short of the 84.50m automatic qualification mark. His crucial third attempt hit 85.28m, earning a final berth. Group B saw Anderson Peters (89.53m), Julius Yego (85.96m), and Curtis Thompson (84.72m) also qualify. In Group A, Neeraj Chopra (84.85m), Julian Weber, and Dawid Wegner advanced.
Reigning Olympic champ… through to the final! 📌
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem left it late, but he grabs a spot in the final on his final throw, 85.28m! 🇵🇰 #WorldAthleticsChamps | #RoadToLA28 pic.twitter.com/CEX9EYMHqe
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 17, 2025After a calf surgery in England, Nadeem returned with an 86.40m throw at the 2025 Asian Championships. His Paris 2024 Olympic record of 92.97m raised expectations, but Tokyo’s humid conditions tested him. Nadeem, who won silver in 2023 despite injuries, now faces defending champion Neeraj Chopra. Their friendly bond has cooled since a May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India. Nadeem said, “I compete against myself only.”
Read: Arshad Nadeem Fails to Qualify for Javelin Final at Tokyo 2025 Worlds
Nadeem’s former coach, Fiaz Bokhari, predicted he’d qualify easily, citing his 90m potential. “Arshad’s in great shape and can compete with the best,” Bokhari told The Express Tribune. The final, featuring top throwers like Chopra and Peters, promises a tight race. Bokhari urged Pakistan to invest in javelin to produce more stars like Nadeem.
Nadeem’s qualification keeps Pakistan’s hopes alive for a world championship medal. His rivalry with Chopra, the 2023 champion, adds drama to the final. Javelin’s growing popularity in Pakistan, sparked by Nadeem’s Olympic success, could inspire a new generation of athletes
