World Athletics Championships 2025 Set to Commence in Japan on September 13

LAHORE: Following his recent victory at the Asian Athletics Championship, Pakistani Olympic gold medalist and prominent javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem stated on Wednesday that the upcoming World Athletics Championship is his next significant objective. He has promised to make the country proud once again.

During a training session held at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, Arshad spoke to the media, expressing his enthusiasm for his recent accomplishments and his recognition in Forbes’ distinguished Asia 30 under 30 list.

Arshad mentioned, “It brings me great joy whenever Pakistan’s name is highlighted because of my achievements. I am constantly working to secure additional medals and bring more distinction to my nation.”

“Being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 is an honor for the entire nation, and I am delighted about it. Kindly remember me in your prayers so I can continue achieving victories for Pakistan,” he added.

Arshad stated that preparations for the World Championship in September are progressing rapidly, with other competitions scheduled beforehand.

“I have resumed my training and will participate in a couple of events leading up to the World Championship. We’re considering training sessions in England as well. I am focused on rectifying the errors I made during the Asian Athletics Championship to enhance my performance,” he explained.

Arshad’s recent gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championship was a watershed occasion for Pakistan, as it ended a 50-year wait for a gold medal at the continental tournament.

His coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, detailed the strategy ahead, emphasizing a demanding training and competition schedule to keep Arshad at his peak performance level.

“Arshad is currently training in Lahore. We are in the process of submitting his entry for a competition in Switzerland and are planning a month-long training camp in England.

Before competing in the World Championship in September, he will also take part in the Diamond League season finale in Poland. Butt concluded, “Our aim is to ensure Arshad is in optimal condition for the grandest stage.”

Arshad made history by becoming the first athlete from his country to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Moreover, he earned a spot on the Forbes ’30 Under 30′ South Asia list for 2025.

Forbes’ prestigious annual list acknowledges the region’s most influential young leaders, innovators, and change agents.

Nadeem’s inclusion emphasizes his growing cultural impact throughout South Asia, in addition to his record-breaking athletic achievements.

The 28-year-old became the first track-and-field athlete from Pakistan to get this distinction, representing a watershed moment for Pakistani athletics on the international arena.

Last year, Nadeem grabbed the world’s attention at the Paris Olympics, when he broke the Olympic javelin record with an incredible throw of 92.97 meters.

The historic achievement gave Pakistan its first individual Olympic gold medal, ending a medal drought that had lasted for more than three decades.

Forbes praised his performance as a ‘remarkable show’ and hailed him as a pioneer for athletes from South Asia.

He has, to date, won five gold medals in important competitions, solidifying his status among the best in the sport.

Nadeem is in good company on Forbes’ ’30 Under 30′ list, joining other international sporting stars like Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown and Indian chess phenomenon Gukesh Dommaraju.

After winning a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Nadeem initially rose to prominence. He then won a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

To date, he has taken home four golds, one silver, and four bronze medals from various competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, South Asian Games, and Asian U20 Championships.

He is now traveling to England to prepare for the World Athletics Championships in September, the only major competition in which he has not yet won gold.