Arshad Nadeem Gears Up for Asian Athletics Championship

LAHORE: As the Asian Athletics Championship approaches, scheduled in Korea from May 27 to 31, javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is diligently preparing for his first significant international competition since the Paris Olympics. The Olympian and gold medalist is focused on making a strong impact.

Engaged in intensive training sessions at Punjab Stadium, Lahore, Arshad voiced his assurance and clear objectives. He highlighted that his primary challenge lies within himself, not in competition with others.

“My training has been consistent over the last five months. This upcoming event in Korea is a major one following the Olympics, taking place from May 27 to 31, with my event set for May 31,” Arshad stated.

“I am my own rival; my focus is on surpassing my own limits. Achieving my personal best positions me to secure a gold medal in any competition,” he added.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the Asian Championship, Arshad shared his broader ambitions to excel in various international arenas.

“My ambition is to capture gold in events where I haven’t yet – the World Championship, Asian Games, and Diamond Leagues. I also intend to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, dedicating the preceding year entirely to Olympic preparation. Until then, my focus will include other significant events,” he elaborated.

Coach’s Perspective

Coach Salman Iqbal Butt echoed this positive outlook, confirming Arshad’s steady and encouraging progress in training.

“The outcomes from these months of training are promising, and our current aim is to sustain this momentum,” Salman remarked.

Butt also underscored the team’s competitive philosophy.

“We approach each event without the need to prove anything. We value every competition equally, big or small, and consistently aim for peak performance. Pressure is beneficial; it drives us to excel. The right amount of pressure can lead to exceptional achievements,” the coach explained.

He concluded that Arshad plans to participate in a few international events before the World Championship in September to build substantial momentum.

Notably, Arshad Nadeem is Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medalist and the nation’s first athletics medalist at the Summer Games, having secured a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a remarkable throw of 92.97m.

To date, he has accumulated four gold, one silver, and four bronze medals across various prestigious events, including the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Islamic Solidarity Games, South Asian Games, and Asian U20 Championships.