Arshad Nadeem in 'best physical shape', downplays competition against Neeraj Chopra: 'Going to Tokyo with same mission'

Arshad Nadeem downplays competition against Neeraj Chopra (PTI Photo)

Reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem downplayed the hype ahead of his much-anticipated clash against Neeraj Chopra at the World Athletics Championships. The event kicks off in Tokyo on Saturday, but all eyes will be on Thursday, September 18, when Chopra defends his crown. He returns to the National Stadium, the very venue where he claimed Olympic gold four years ago. This time, however, he faces added pressure after being dethroned in Paris last year by Nadeem, who delivered a record throw of 92.97m to secure Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in 40 years.

Nadeem, who has been recuperating from an injury, has only participated once since the Olympics in Paris, taking home the Asian Championships in May. Although Chopra did not participate in the continental meet, he too has enjoyed a tremendous season, finishing in top two of every competition he participated in. In addition, he also broke the elusive 90m mark by hurling the javelin 90.23 meters at the Doha Diamond League.

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Speaking to reporters at the Punjab Stadium in Lahore after his final training session before leaving for Tokyo, Nadeem as quoted by Pakistani daily, Dawn, remarked: “I always target to do my best in every event and I am going to Tokyo with the same mission, with high hopes. And rest is on God.”

On being asked about his competition with Chopra, whom he upstaged at Paris, Nadeem responded: “My competition is always against Arshad Nadeem, I have my competitions against myself. I am in good shape and well prepared for the contest in Tokyo. Most of the other main rivals in Tokyo [javelin throw event] are same who were at the Paris Olympics, so it will be good contest.”

Nadeem also mentioned that he "regretted" missing the Diamond League after undergoing a calf surgery in July. “But the decision was taken not to take any risk before the World Championships,” he said.

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According to the Pakistan daily, Asad Abbas Shah, one of Nadeem's doctors, stated that the thrower is in his "best physical shape".

“Yesterday (Tuesday), Arshad passed all the fitness tests; that is a good news that he has recovered from his calf injury,” Shah said.