"I've been training with local javelin for past 7-8 years," reveals Arshad ahead of Paris Olympics

Pakistan's prominent javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, is facing a major hurdle in his training due to the absence of a high-quality javelin ahead of the Paris Olympics.

While speaking to a private news channel, Arshad Nadeem revealed that he did not get a world-class javelin for 7-8 years. His only international-standard javelin is currently unusable, forcing him to rely on local javelins that carry a risk of injury.

"If you train with local javelins and participate in the international competition with the world standard javelin, it makes a difference in performance,” he said

He has already undergone surgeries on his left knee and right elbow. He recently underwent another surgery on his right knee. 

Paris Olympics are scheduled for July 2024. Arshad fears that training with a substandard javelin could increase his risk of injury.

Arshad Nadeem stated that world-class javelins cost between Rs7 to Rs8 lacs, while local javelins are available for Rs1 to 1.5 lakh, but their quality is not at par for top-level athletes.

According to Arshad, he needs at least 5 or 6 javelins for international competitions.

"I've been training with local javelin for past 7-8 years," he revealed.

Nadeem further highlighted the challenge of lack of proper training due to unavailability of training grounds as “most of the times ground is not available for training due to events”.

His current target is the Paris Olympics, for which he has qualified for the second time.

At the 2023 World Championships in Hungary, Mian Channu-born athelete made history by securing the country's first-ever silver medal in the javelin throw event. 

His throw of 87.82 meters placed him just behind India's Neeraj Chopra, who secured the gold medal with a throw of 88.17 meters.

France's largest stadium, Stade de France, will host the javelin throw competition at the Paris Olympics. The qualifying rounds will be held on August 6, with the final taking place two days later, on August 8.