Nadeem Hints at World Championships Showdown with Rival Chopra

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist, recently clinched his second victory of 2025 at the Ostrava Golden Spike event. His throw of 85.29 meters secured the win in the javelin competition. The event was hosted by Chopra's personal coach, Jan Zelezny, the current world record holder. Notable competitors included Thomas Rohler, the Rio Olympics gold medalist.

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: Poised for a future javelin showdown.

This victory follows Chopra's triumph at the Paris Diamond League the previous week. Earlier in the season, he secured second place behind Germany's Julian Weber at the Doha Diamond League meet and the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial event.

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan's reigning Olympic champion, was absent from these four events. Nadeem has strategically focused on training in Pakistan this season. He did participate in the Asian Athletics Championship last month, an event Chopra skipped, where he won a gold medal with a throw of 86.40 meters.

Nadeem is preparing intensely for the World Athletics Championships, scheduled for September 13-21 in Tokyo. Both he and Chopra are anticipated to compete.

"My focus is on the World Athletics Championships and I am working hard for that," Arshad stated. "It is very hot in Lahore. I am going to England soon and will be training there for a month."

Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics the previous year, setting a new Olympic javelin record with a throw of 92.97 meters. This achievement prevented Chopra from defending his gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics, which were affected by the pandemic.

Recently, Nadeem was the chief guest at a World Olympic Day celebration in Lahore, where he shared his thoughts on his accomplishments and inspired aspiring athletes.

"It is a matter of pride for athletes to celebrate this day and I am proud that I am celebrating it as an Olympic gold medallist for the first time," Arshad said.

He also emphasized the significance of determination and hard work to young athletes: "My message to the youngsters is to stay focused. I came from a small place and won a gold medal. So, if they work hard, they too can win medals."