By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s top javelin thrower, on Tuesday qualified for the Olympic final with a season-best 86.59 meters, ranking fourth and keeping the country’s medal aspirations intact.
Nadeem’s impressive throw, recorded on his first attempt, secured his spot in Thursday’s final, where he will face reigning Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra of India, who led the field with a 89.34-meter throw.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters and Germany’s Julian Weber also advanced to the final, with throws of 88.63 meters and 87.76 meters, respectively.
Nadeem’s advancement to the final marks a crucial milestone for Pakistan, which has not won an Olympic medal in 32 years. The 27-year-old athlete from Mian Channu is now the country’s sole hope for a podium finish.
“I want to make Pakistan proud in the Olympic Games,” a local TV quoted Nadeem as saying. “I hope Neeraj Chopra and I will make our respective countries proud. Neeraj Chopra is a good friend, and we will focus on the final round.” “I am optimistic about delivering a good result in the final.”
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