Arshad Nadeem Aims for Gold at Asian Athletics Championship

Lahore: Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated javelin thrower and Olympian, has voiced his strong resolve to secure a gold medal at the forthcoming Asian Athletics Championship. He emphasized that this competition marks his first significant event following the Olympics.

While addressing the press in Lahore, Nadeem conveyed that he has been rigorously training over the last five months in anticipation. He stated, “This event is my first major competition since the Olympics. My preparations have been intense, and I am completely committed to performing at my peak.”

The national record holder underlined his ambition for personal growth, mentioning that his primary competition is with himself. “My main competition is always against my own capabilities. I aspire to deliver my absolute best. Achieving my personal best usually places me in contention for a gold medal.”

He also disclosed his overarching ambition: attaining gold medals in tournaments where he is yet to achieve the highest accolade. “My targets include winning gold in the World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Games, and Diamond Leagues,” he appended.

Looking forward, Nadeem affirmed his intention to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, indicating that the year preceding the Games will be entirely devoted to Olympic training.

His coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, expressed optimism about Nadeem’s present condition and frame of mind. “His groundwork is precise. He is, once more, motivated to put on a remarkable display,” the coach remarked.

Reducing the importance of external pressure, Butt commented, “We don’t have to demonstrate anything to anyone. To us, this is just another event. Pressure can be advantageous; one cannot perform without it.”

He also verified that Arshad will engage in two to three international competitions before the World Championship in September, which will aid in his preparation.