Asian meet more important for me, says Arshad

ISLAMABAD: Olympic record-holder and the first Asian to cross 90-meter barrier in javelin throw, Arshad Nadeem regretted not to become part of the one-day event on Neeraj Chopra’s invitation that is planned for May 22 on the pretext of it being too close to the Asian Championship.

A source close to the Olympic gold medalist, who is currently undergoing quality training in Lahore for the 25th Gumi Asian Athletics Championship starting in Korea on May 27, said that the proposed dates for the one-day javelin throw classic being organized to pay tributes to Neeraj Chopra is scheduled for May 22.

“We have regretted to be part of Neeraj Chopra Classic as it is being organised too close to the Asian Meet. We have communicated to Neeraj that the entry has already been sent to the Asian Meet’s organisers. It would not be feasible to make adjustments and to take a tour to India so close to the Asian Championship,” the message from Arshad Nadeem that reached Chopra says.

Neeraj and Arshad both share rivalry and friendship, having competed alongside each other for years at different global events.

Among the top athletes from whom Neeraj has already received the nod, include Anderson Peters (a two-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist) Thomas Rohler (a former Olympic champion), Yulius Yego (an Olympic medallist and former world champion), Curtis Thompson (the world leader from the USA), etc. A number of other top performers from Europe and other parts of the globe are also in line to participate in the one-day event.

“There is no harm in competing in India alongside with the best of international javelin throwers. But the timing of the event is not ideal as a result it would not be easier for Arshad Nadeem to compete in an invitational event so close to the Asian Championship which is far more important for the athlete and for the country,” the source said.

The Olympic record-holder is expected to travel to Korea on or about May 22 to start his training in the city of Gumi that will host the 25th edition of the Asian Meet. Arshad is tipped to aim even higher and is expected to shatter the Asian record following his heroics at the Paris Olympics. “Arshad’s training is well on track as he is expected to reach his peak by the time the javelin throw event of May 27-31 championship takes place,” one of his team members said.