Paris, 6 August 2024 (TDI): Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has qualified for the final round of the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics.
The nine-time medalist threw fifth in Group B of the qualification round, ensuring a direct qualification with an 86.59 metre throw. His Indian counterpart, Neeraj Chopra, also advanced to the next round with his season-best throw of 89.34 metres.
Former World Champion Grenada’s Anderson Peters also advances to the final round with an 88.63-metre throw.
Remember, throwers are required to make a minimum throw of 84 metres to qualify for the medal round on August 8. If more than 12 athletes achieve the 84-metre mark, then all of them will be through to the final round.
Read more: Six Pakistani Athletes Eliminated from Paris Olympics Without a Medal
Pakistan’s javelin hero
Nadeem shot to the global arena finishing fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, and the World Championship in the United States. However, his true potential was at the display during the 2022 Commonwealth Games where he won a gold with his best throw of 90.18 metres.
He then had elbow and left knee surgeries in London, took time to recover, and then competed in the 34th National Games in Quetta in May.
Despite failing to demonstrate his fitness, he won a gold for his departmental team, Wapda. He took a heavy blow in this event when he injured his right knee, forcing him to miss the recent Asian Championship in Bangkok.
With six Olympians already out, Pakistan’s hopes for an Olympic gold in 36 years now rest on javelin ace Arshad Nadeem.
