Yasir eyes Asian Games redemption

Pakistan’s No2 javelin thrower Yasir Sultan is hoping to turn his Asian Games disappointment into a medal opportunity as he prepares for next month’s continental showpiece.

Yasir came agonisingly close to the podium at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, finishing fourth in the javelin throw competition after a hard-fought contest in challenging conditions. This time he is determined to go one better.

With Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem currently training in South Africa, Yasir is working at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad as he seeks to regain his rhythm before leaving for Japan in the middle of next month.

“Yes, it’s a very important event for me. I will try to give my best,” Yasir told The Express Tribune from Islamabad on Sunday.

The thrower admitted, however, that his biggest battle at present is with his own form.

“I am very anxious about my form as I have been stuck at a certain stage. I would like to come out of it, and this is my major goal at the Asian Games,” he said.

Yasir believes the next two weeks of training will be crucial in helping him prepare for the competition.

“The next two-week training camp is very important and I am confident that I can prepare well for the big event,” he said.

Yasir had remained around the 75 metre mark for several years before joining forces with coach Fayyaz Bukhari. His performances improved under Bukhari, culminating in a bronze medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.

But consistency has again proved elusive, leaving Yasir searching for the form that could put him among the medal contenders.

“I am really struggling to get into perfect shape. It’s important. You need focus and calmness,” he said.

Despite his fine physique and regular training, producing his best when it matters most remains a challenge. He also competed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games recently but failed to reach the 12-man final.