Arshad Nadeem heads to Islamic Solidarity Games with trusted team

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem, who stunned the world with his record-breaking 92.97m javelin throw in Paris, will travel to Riyadh for the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games starting November 7, accompanied by his trusted support team, coach Salman Iqbal Butt and Dr Ali Sher Bajwa.

Confirming the development, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Secretary Mohammad Khalid Mehmood told The News that all three have been officially accredited to represent Pakistan at the Games.

“Arshad is an IOC scholarship holder, and his choice of support staff carries utmost importance for us,” Khalid Mehmood said. “Both Salman Butt and Dr Bajwa have been accredited to travel with him, ensuring the same winning combination that brought Olympic glory to Pakistan.”

Arshad, who will defend his gold medal title, is said to be in good form. Officials believe that a fit and focused Arshad will again prove “untouchable for gold” when the javelin final takes place, likely on November 17 in Riyadh.

While Arshad gears up for another golden outing, his coach Salman Butt remains entangled in an ongoing dispute with the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), which recently imposed a lifetime ban on him over an income-related disagreement.

The matter is currently under investigation by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Adjudicators, headed by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, who presided over the first hearing on November 3. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday (November 6).

During initial proceedings, AFP President Wajahat Hussain questioned the jurisdiction of the PSB panel. However, Senator Rashid maintained that federations receiving government funds remain fully accountable to PSB oversight, citing rulings from both the Supreme Court and High Court.

“All federations supported by public money are answerable to PSB. Oversight is a legal obligation, not an option,” Senator Rashid was quoted as saying. Coach Salman Butt, in his statement before the panel, denounced the ban as “biased, unjustified, and detrimental to the spirit of national sports.” He argued that the decision was made “in haste and without due process,” disrupting Pakistan’s athletics preparations ahead of key international commitments.

The federal government has already directed the PSB to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into the controversy. The November 6 hearing is expected to be decisive, not only for Salman Butt’s professional future but also for the legitimacy of the AFP’s elections held in recent years.