Webdesk: Pakistan’s top javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is gearing up for a major clash with Indian Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra at the Diamond League event in Silesia, Poland, on August 16. This will be the first time the two athletes meet since their memorable contest at the Paris Olympics.
Back in Paris, Nadeem made headlines by winning the gold medal with an impressive throw of 92.97 metres, while Chopra secured silver with 89.45 metres. Grenada’s Anderson Peters came in third with a throw of 88.54 metres.
Before heading to Poland, Nadeem had been listed to compete at the World Athletics Silver Tour in Switzerland on July 15. However, he pulled out of that event, explaining his decision during a recent media talk in Lahore.
“I’ve decided to withdraw from the Switzerland event due to a strain in my calf that I experienced during training here,” he told reporters. “I don’t want the strain to worsen, so this decision is in the interest of my long-term fitness.”
Despite the setback, Nadeem remains focused on his main goal, the World Athletics Championships, which are set to take place in Tokyo this September.
“My entire focus is on the World Championship, which will be held in Tokyo this September,” he said. “I’m leaving for London on July 14 to resume training in a more suitable environment.”
He believes the shift to England will help him recover and prepare better. “I believe the quality of training and recovery in England will prepare me well for both the Diamond League and the World Championship,” he added.
Nadeem is also expected to appear at the Diamond League meet in Zurich on August 27, where another encounter with Chopra could be on the cards, adding more excitement to their growing rivalry.
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