Chopra, Nadeem Poised for Tokyo Showdown at World Athletics Championships

Arshad Nadeem Eyes Tokyo Showdown with Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist, has been making waves in the athletics world, securing his second victory of 2025 at the Ostrava Golden Spike event with an impressive 85.29-meter throw in the javelin competition. This event, orchestrated by Chopra's coach, Jan Zelezny, saw competition from notable athletes, including Rio Olympics gold medalist Thomas Rohler.

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem are anticipated to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

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

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic champion, was absent from these four events, strategically focusing on training in Pakistan. Nadeem's season schedule has been selective. He did, however, participate in the Asian Athletics Championship last month, where he clinched a gold medal with an 86.40-meter throw – an event Chopra chose to skip.

"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. Both Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem are expected to compete.

Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics the previous year, setting a new Olympic javelin record with a remarkable 92.97-meter throw. This achievement prevented Chopra from defending his gold medal from the pandemic-affected Tokyo Olympics.

Recently, Nadeem served as the chief guest at a World Olympic Day celebration in Lahore. During the event, he reflected on his accomplishments and offered words of encouragement to 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," Arshad expressed.

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."