World Athletics 2025: Arshad Nadeem exits medal race in javelin final

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem fell short in the final of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, missing out on a spot in the medal race after two fouls in four attempts.

Arshad opened with a throw of 82.73 meters but struggled to improve. His best effort came in the third round at 83.75 meters, while his second and fourth throws were fouled.

After back-to-back fouls, the 28-year-old walked over to his coach Salman Butt in the stands for advice, but could not recover enough to break into the top eight. Only the best eight athletes from the first three rounds advance to the next stage of the final.

India’s defending champion Neeraj Chopra also could not make the cut despite throws of 83.65m, 84.03m, and 82.86m. He fouled his third and fifth attempts.

Read more: Arshad Nadeem declared unfit for Diamond League

Germany’s Julian Weber recorded 86.11m, while India’s Sachin Yadav stunned the field with a personal best throw of 86.27m in the first round.

Arshad has been battling injury setbacks throughout the season. He was ruled out of the World Athletics Silver Tour and the Diamond League earlier this year.

After undergoing shin surgery in June, he spent time in rehabilitation in London before resuming training in Lahore to prepare for the World Championships.