Fans eagerly anticipating the showdown between javelin throwers Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem will have to wait a bit longer. Representing India, Neeraj Chopra clinched a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 in men's javelin throw, while Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem triumphed with a gold medal in the same event. Arshad impressively threw a distance of 92.97 meters, whereas Neeraj's best throw was 89.45 meters.
While they were expected to compete against one another on August 16 at the Silesia Diamond League, their names are surprisingly absent from the tournament's entry list. Had Neeraj and Arshad participated, it would have marked their first competition since the Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, the wait continues.
Source: aajtak
In July, World Athletics announced the participation of both Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem in the Silesia Diamond League. Arshad was expected to compete in the Neeraj Chopra (NC) Classic held in Bengaluru, but geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan prevented his participation. The NC Classic, initially set for May 24, was postponed following an attack in Pahalgam, eventually taking place on July 5, where Neeraj emerged victorious.
What Did Arshad Nadeem's Coach Say?
Last month, in London, Arshad Nadeem underwent calf surgery. His coach, Salman Butt, shared, 'Nadeem is now focusing on preparing for the World Championship in Tokyo this September. This surgery was crucial as his calf muscles have been troubling him for a while now.'
In May 2025, Neeraj Chopra showed stellar form by throwing 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League—his career-first crossing of the 90-meter mark. The next anticipated face-off between Neeraj and Arshad may be the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo this September. Neeraj, currently the reigning world champion, claimed the gold medal in the 2023 Championship with an impressive throw of 88.17 meters.
