New Delhi: In a surprising move, the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) has imposed a lifetime ban on Salman Iqbal, the longtime coach and mentor of Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem. The decision, confirmed by reports by PTI, bars Iqbal from taking part in any athletics-related activity, whether as a coach, administrator or official.
According to the federation, Iqbal’s ban stems from his alleged violation of the constitution of the Punjab Athletics Federation, where he serves as President. The issue reportedly began in August when Iqbal oversaw elections of the provincial body that the PAAF claims were against its rules. An inquiry committee was set up in mid-September and, following its findings, recommended a lifetime suspension on October 10, just a day after Iqbal submitted a detailed response to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
While the PAAF has cited constitutional violations as the main reason for its decision, the timing of the ban has raised eyebrows. It came right after Iqbal’s strong reply to the PSB, which had asked him to explain Arshad Nadeem’s disappointing performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
In his response, Iqbal defended his athlete, saying Nadeem’s form had been affected by a recent calf surgery as well as Tokyo’s hard track and hot, humid conditions. He also revealed that the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation, for over a year, had distanced itself from Nadeem’s training and development, which caught many by surprise.
Iqbal further disclosed that he had been forced to seek personal financial help to fund Nadeem’s training in South Africa and support his rehabilitation process. With little to no backing from the federation, Iqbal said he relied on a friend’s assistance to ensure Pakistan’s top javelin thrower could continue preparing at a competitive level.
He also reminded the PSB that while the entire nation had celebrated Nadeem’s historic achievements, it is equally important to stand by him during tough times. However, his remarks appear to have strained his relationship with the federation further, eventually leading to the lifetime ban.
Looking ahead
For many in Pakistan’s sporting community, the decision marks a stunning twist in what had been a celebrated coach-athlete partnership. Under Iqbal’s guidance, Arshad Nadeem became the first Pakistani to win an Olympic gold medal. He achieved the feat in Paris 2024 with an Olympic record throw.
Earlier this year, before that, he had clinched gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, besides a dominant showing at the Asian Athletics Championships. His rise, along with his friendly rivalry with India’s Neeraj Chopra, brought javelin throwing into the regional spotlight.
Yet now, with his mentor banned indefinitely questions linger over how this rift might affect Nadeem’s future preparations and Pakistan’s standing in global athletics.