Arshad Nadeem Teases Potential Showdown with Neeraj Chopra at World Athletics Championships

Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist, marked his second triumph of 2025 at the Ostrava Golden Spike event, achieving a throw of 85.29 meters in the javelin category. The event, hosted by Chopra's coach and world record holder Jan Zelezny, included competitors such as Rio Olympics gold medalist Thomas Rohler.

This victory comes after Chopra's recent win at the Paris Diamond League. Earlier in the season, he secured second place behind Germany's Julian Weber at the Doha Diamond League and the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial event.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion, was not present at these four events. Nadeem has been strategic with his competition schedule this season, choosing to focus on training in Pakistan. He did compete in the Asian Athletics Championship last month, an event Chopra skipped, and won a gold medal with a throw of 86.40 meters.

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

The World Athletics Championships are scheduled to take place in Tokyo from September 13-21, where both athletes are expected to compete.

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

Nadeem recently attended a World Olympic Day celebration in Lahore as the chief guest. He spoke about his achievements and encouraged 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," Nadeem said.

He also inspired young athletes, highlighting the significance of determination and hard work. "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."