Arshad Nadeem secures 4th position at Paris Diamond League

Javelin thrower to return on July 8 before heading back to Paris for Olympics on July 24

Pakistan's leading javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, marked his return to competition after a year with a commendable performance at the Paris Diamond League, securing a fourth-place finish. While he did not clinch a medal, his participation served as a crucial step in reclaiming his form ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics.

In his opening attempt, Nadeem launched the javelin to a distance of 74.11 meters, gradually finding his rhythm. He significantly improved with subsequent throws: his second attempt measured 80.28 meters, and his third soared to 82.71 meters, placing him among the top contenders.

He continued his impressive display in the fourth round with a throw of 82.17 meters, momentarily securing a top-three spot until Jacob Vadlejch surpassed him with an 85-meter throw. 

Despite a valiant effort in the fifth round, where Nadeem threw 84.21 meters, it was insufficient to reclaim a podium position, leaving him in fourth place.

This event marked his return to the international stage since August 2023, following a prolonged absence due to a knee injury that also sidelined him from the Hangzhou Asian Games. After undergoing surgery in England to aid his recovery, he has been diligently working towards regaining peak fitness.

Looking ahead, Nadeem will return to Lahore on July 8 for additional training before heading back to Paris on July 24 to prepare for the Olympics. 

With approximately 12 days to acclimatise, he aims to showcase his best at the Olympics, scheduled for August 6. 

Hisa personal best throw stands at 90.18 meters, achieved at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where he showcased his prowess despite finishing fifth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.