Arshad Nadeem sets sights on gold at Asian Athletics Championship

LAHORE: Pakistan's top javelin thrower and Olympian, Arshad Nadeem, has voiced his strong ambition to secure a gold medal at the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship, marking it as his most significant competition since the Olympics.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Nadeem said he has been training intensively for the past five months in preparation. “This is my first big competition after the Olympics. I’ve been working hard and I’m fully focused on delivering my best,” he stated.

The national record-holder emphasised his drive for self-improvement, noting that his only real competition is with himself. “My contest is always with Arshad Nadeem. I just want to perform at my best. Whenever I give my best in an event, I find myself in a position to win gold.”

He also revealed his long-term goal: winning gold medals in events where he has yet to achieve top honours. “I’m targeting gold in the World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Games, and the Diamond Leagues,” he added.

Looking ahead, Nadeem confirmed his intent to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, saying that the year prior to the Games would be entirely focused on Olympic preparation.

His coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, expressed confidence in Nadeem's current form and mindset. “His preparation is on point. He is once again determined to deliver a strong performance,” the coach said.

Downplaying external expectations, Butt remarked, “We don’t need to prove anything. For us, this is just another event. Pressure is actually a good thing — without it, you can’t perform.”

He also confirmed that before the World Championship in September, Arshad will participate in two to three international events as part of his build-up.