Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has sent his best wishes to India’s Neeraj Chopra for the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Both athletes impressed in the qualification round on Tuesday, securing their places in the final.
Arshad Nadeem, who claimed silver at the 2023 World Championships, recorded an 86.59m throw on his first attempt, surpassing the direct qualification mark of 84m. Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, stole the spotlight with a throw of 89.34m on his initial attempt.
“It fills me with immense joy that only two of us from South Asia, myself and Neeraj bhai, are competing at the highest level alongside other top athletes,” Nadeem said. “I hope we both continue to excel and bring honor to our countries on the global stage.”
The javelin throw final is set for August 8 at the Stade de France in Paris.
Neeraj Chopra won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 with a throw of 87.58m, while Arshad Nadeem finished fifth with 84.62m. Nadeem’s qualification for the final marks the first time a Pakistani has reached the final in any track and field event at the Olympics.
“At every competition, the goal for every athlete is to perform to the best of their ability. I wish Neeraj the best of luck and hope that both of us do well for our countries,” Nadeem commented on the possibility of sharing the podium with Chopra.
The two athletes previously competed together at the 2018 Asian Games, where Neeraj won gold and Nadeem took bronze. They also shared the podium at the 2023 World Championships, with Neeraj winning gold and Nadeem earning silver.
Despite being competitors, Nadeem and Chopra maintain a friendly relationship. Nadeem mentioned their interactions at the Olympic Village in Paris, noting, “We’ve had a few chats and congratulations from Neeraj after the qualification. We usually talk about typical friend topics and wish each other success for our respective countries.”
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