Web desk: Arshad Nadeem couldn’t win a medal for his country in the World Athletics Championship being held in Tokyo, Japan.
Pakistani fans were expecting him to repeat his heroics from the 2024 Paris Olympics, but he couldn’t replicate the record-breaking performance that helped him win a gold medal and break the Olympic record with a gigantic throw of 92.97m.
A mouthwatering contest was expected between Arshad Nadeem and his arch-rival from India, Neeraj Chopra. But neither of them could live up to the expectations. Arshad was placed at 10th position overall, and Neeraj stood at 8th.
Arshad didn’t appear in most of the events post-Olympics because he was nursing a calf injury. He decided to get surgery in July 2025, which kept him out of the Silesia Diamond League 2025.
He started training post-surgery, but he wasn’t fully fit, and it showed in the qualifying rounds. His first two throws measured 76.99m and 74.17m. He gave it his all in the final throw of 85.28m and qualified for the finals.
In the final, 12 players were competing for the podium finish, but Nadeem couldn’t perform to his potential best and couldn’t reach the final 8. His first throw measured 82.73 metres, followed by a foul in his second attempt.
He bettered his chances by sending the third throw at 82.75m, but his fourth was again ruled a foul. It left him outside the top eight cut needed for three additional attempts.
Arshad was heartbroken for not performing and letting his fans down. He shared an emotional note with his fans and supporters where he thanked them for their prayers and support.
He apologised to them, saying, “I know I let you all down, but I promise to come back stronger and work even harder to make you proud”.
He mentioned his injury as well, which prevented him from training and preparing for the World Athletics Championship properly. He said, “I’ve been dealing with an injury since July 4th, which affected my preparation and fitness level. Despite this challenge, I gave it my all”.
Arshad may have lost the battle, but not the war. He is still Pakistan’s biggest treasure, and he is their biggest chance of winning more medals at the Olympics and other leagues.
His subpar performance at the World Athletics Championship shouldn’t take away anything from what he has achieved for his country.
Arshad was the first Pakistani to make a track and field final in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he won a bronze medal. He also became the first Pakistani athlete to win a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022 with a throw of 90.18m.
He was also the first Pakistani to win a Silver medal at the World Athletics Championship in 2023. And his best career achievement came at the Paris Olympics 2024, where he ended Pakistan’s 40-year wait for Olympic gold.
Arshad has achieved so much in such a short time, and this defeat cannot blemish his legacy. It was heartening to see social media brimming with messages of support for him.
It is often seen that fans start criticising sportsmen for their poor performances, but this wasn’t the case with their treatment of Arshad Nadeem. They acknowledged his achievements, prayed for his recovery, and wished him well for his future.
Arshad Nadeem is a hope for many Pakistani athletes who have started dreaming of achieving great things for their country.
He gave them confidence that if a lower-middle-class guy from the village of Mian Channu can shine bright on the grandest stage of them all, they too can do themselves and their country proud.
There is no doubt Arshad Nadeem will be back! And he will be back with a bang. Fans must continue to trust in him. He has delivered in the past, and he will deliver again for his country and its people, whom he cherishes so much.
Read more: Arshad Nadeem opens up on World Athletics Championships exit
