Arshad Nadeem Ready for Javelin Final at World Athletics Championships 2025

Tokyo, September 18, 2025 – Pakistan’s golden boy of athletics, Arshad Nadeem, is set to compete in the final of the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. The much-anticipated final will take place today, with some of the world’s top javelin throwers, including Germany’s world No. 1 Julian Weber and India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, battling it out for glory.

For Pakistan, the spotlight shines firmly on Arshad, who has become a symbol of national pride following his historic triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His journey from humble beginnings to competing against the world’s best has made him one of the most celebrated sports personalities in the country.

The Final Showdown

The javelin throw final is scheduled to begin at 3:23 PM PST, with 12 elite athletes lined up. Each competitor will have six attempts to record their best throw.

According to the starting order, Julian Weber will open the competition, followed by Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion. Arshad Nadeem will step in for the third throw of the round, immediately before India’s Neeraj Chopra, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans across South Asia.

The rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra has become one of the most followed stories in global athletics. With both men having beaten each other on major stages in recent years, today’s final promises to be another intense contest.

How Arshad Qualified

Arshad Nadeem secured his spot in the final after a dramatic qualification round on Wednesday. The Pakistani athlete started with two below-par attempts of 74.17m and 76.99m, putting pressure on himself. However, showing remarkable composure, Nadeem unleashed a massive throw of 85.28m on his third and final attempt to secure his place among the best.

From his qualification group, Anderson Peters topped with a best of 85.96m, while Kenya’s Julius Yego recorded the longest throw of the day at 89.53m. American Curtis Thompson also advanced with a throw of 84.72m.

India’s Neeraj Chopra made qualification look effortless, needing only one throw. His first attempt of 84.85m cleared the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m, showing why he remains one of the biggest threats in the final.

Past Rivalry with Neeraj Chopra

The Nadeem Chopra rivalry has captivated millions of fans across the subcontinent. Their story is not just about sports but also about national pride and friendly competition.

At the World Championships 2023 in Budapest, Chopra created history by becoming India’s first-ever world champion in athletics with a throw of 88.17m. Arshad, however, was not far behind and secured the silver medal with a best throw of 87.82m.

The tables turned at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Nadeem delivered the performance of his career. With a record-breaking throw of 92.97m, he won the gold medal and set a new Olympic record. Chopra had to settle for silver, despite his strong effort. Nadeem’s victory was Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold in track and field, instantly making him a national hero.

Pakistan’s Big Hope

At 28, Arshad Nadeem has already cemented his place in the history of Pakistani sports. Coming from Mian Channu, a small town in Punjab, his story of hard work, determination, and resilience has inspired countless youngsters in the country.

Nadeem’s preparation for Tokyo 2025 has been intense. After his Olympic triumph, he faced the challenge of living up to even higher expectations. Coaches have been working with him on refining his technique, focusing particularly on his run-up speed and release angle to maximize distance.

His consistency in crossing the 85m mark makes him a serious contender for another medal. Pakistani fans are hopeful that Nadeem can repeat his Olympic heroics and add a World Championship gold to his achievements.

Competition He Faces

The final will not be easy. Nadeem faces a strong field:

• Julian Weber (Germany) – The current world No. 1 and a consistent 88–90m thrower.
• Neeraj Chopra (India) – Olympic and World Champion pedigree, known for handling pressure with ease.
• Anderson Peters (Grenada) – Two-time World Champion with powerful throws.
• Julius Yego (Kenya) – The “YouTube Man” who has revived his career with excellent recent form.
• Curtis Thompson (USA) – Emerging talent capable of crossing 85m regularly.

With such a lineup, the contest for medals is expected to be extremely tight.

Reactions Before the Final

Speaking after his qualification, Arshad Nadeem said he was confident about performing well. “The qualifiers were tough, but I pulled through. Now, I am focused on giving my best in the final,” he remarked.

Pakistan Athletics Federation officials also expressed hope, saying that Nadeem’s form and confidence could see him through to another historic performance. “The whole country is behind him. His success is proof that Pakistan can compete with the best in the world if given proper support,” an official said.

Indian media has also been highlighting the Chopra–Nadeem rivalry, with fans eagerly anticipating another head-to-head showdown.

Global Spotlight

The Tokyo National Stadium is set to host thousands of fans, while millions more around the world will tune in to watch the javelin final. The excitement is particularly high in Pakistan and India, where cricket usually dominates the headlines. For once, athletics has taken center stage, thanks to the rivalry between Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra.

International analysts have described the Nadeem Chopra battle as one of the biggest rivalries in athletics today, comparing it to historic duels in sprinting and long-distance running.

Conclusion

As the clock ticks closer to the final, all eyes are on Tokyo, where Arshad Nadeem will carry Pakistan’s hopes. From a young boy training with homemade javelins in Punjab to standing among the world’s best, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational.