Star Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem has qualified for the javelin throw final of the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo after a dramatic last attempt of 85.28 metres.
The Olympic gold medallist struggled in his first two throws, recording 76.99 metres and 74.17 metres. However, he produced his best performance in the final attempt to clear the automatic qualifying mark of 84.50 metres.
Placed in Group B, Nadeem will now compete in the final round against Indian Neeraj Chopra, who topped Group A with an 84.85-metre throw on his very first attempt. Both athletes, considered the biggest names in world javelin today, are set for another high-stakes showdown.
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Out of 37 competitors, only the top 12 throwers advanced to the final, scheduled for Thursday. The event will decide the medal winners and could once again bring the South Asian rivalry into global spotlight.
Speaking before the qualifiers, Nadeem said he was confident about his form and fitness. “My body feels good, I’m pretty fit. The qualifiers will show where I stand, and I’ll have expectations for the final based on that,” he told reporters.
After his historic Olympic triumph in Paris, Nadeem has become a symbol of sporting excellence for Pakistan. His progress in Tokyo has raised hopes of another podium finish for the nation.