As the Commonwealth Games 2026 have already begun, several fans are excited to witness the world’s renowned javelin throw athletes take the field.
Ahead of the javelin throw event, defending Commonwealth Games champion Arshad Nadeem is all geared up for the men’s qualification round, said his long-time coach Salman Butt.
In the ongoing marquee tournament, Pakistan’s athletes have endured medal-less outings. The country’s brightest medal hope is burly Arshad. At the Lucerne Silver Meet in Switzerland, he finished in ninth position but has adapted to the conditions in Glasgow ahead of the qualifying round on July 30.
Speaking to PTI, his coach said that the rain didn’t allow Arshad to prepare well for the competition, but is “all keyed up” for the qualification round.
“Look, the rain didn’t allow Arshad a proper build-up before the competition and he took time to adjust to the wet surface conditions. He couldn’t settle into a rhythm in Switzerland but now is adjusting to similar conditions in Glasgow. He is all keyed up for the qualifiers and wants to do well again in this competition,” said Butt.
At the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Pakistan’s superstar managed to clinch a gold medal in the absence of . In the ongoing event, Arshad will be joined by his compatriot Muhammad Yasir in the qualification round.
Overall, 20 athletes will compete in the qualification round, and the top 12 will advance to the final of the men’s . The automatic qualification mark has been set at 83 metres.
On the other hand, along with Chopra, India has fielded Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir Singh. The event promises to be entertaining, considering the rivalry between India’s Chopra and Pakistan’s Nadeem.
Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic and Asian record
Chopra missed out on the Commonwealth Games 2022 due to fitness issues. Arshad secured a goal medal in the CWG 2022, and later scripted history by clinching the Olympic title in Paris in 2024. He registered a record throw of 92.97 metres, which is an Olympic and Asian record.
In the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026, Pakistan is yet to win any medals. Sprinter Faiqa Riaz set a new national record in the women’s 100m but failed to progress to the final.