Arshad Nadeem confident of 'defending' Commonwealth Games javelin title

LAHORE: Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem says he is determined to defend his Commonwealth Games men's javelin title and believes he remains in the same form that helped him produce a record-breaking performance four years ago.

Speaking to reporters after his final training session at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, Arshad confirmed that his preparations for the Commonwealth Games are complete.

The reigning champion will depart for Switzerland on Monday to compete in an international event as part of his final build-up before the Games.

"I have prepared well for the Commonwealth Games," Arshad said. "Before every major event, I compete in an international competition because it helps me assess my strength and overall preparation."

The 28-year-old made history at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham by winning the men's javelin title with a Games record throw of 90.18 metres. Reflecting on that achievement, he said the memories remain fresh and insisted he still feels capable of producing similar performances.

"I am in the same position as I was in 2022. Four years have passed, and there is naturally pressure because I have been the defending champion since then. Now I want to achieve something special once again," he said.

Arshad acknowledged that the competition will be tougher this time, particularly with the emergence of strong rivals.

"My biggest competition has always been with myself, and that remains the case. A Sri Lankan athlete has also produced impressive throws recently, so the competition will be stronger, but I am fully prepared for it," he added.

The Olympic champion admitted that pressure is inevitable whenever he steps onto the field but stressed the importance of remaining composed.

"There is always pressure before competing. The key is to control it. I understand how important defending my Commonwealth Games title is for my career," he said.

Arshad also reflected on his journey, noting that he became Pakistan's first athlete to secure direct qualification for the Olympic Games.

"I request my fans to keep praying for me. May Allah keep me fit and allow me to continue throwing the way I have been," he concluded.

Pakistan have won 82 medals since making their Commonwealth Games debut in 1954, including 27 gold, 27 silver and 28 bronze. 

Their best performance in the last five decades came at the 2022 Birmingham Games, where the country finished 18th in the medal standings with eight medals—two gold, three silver and three bronze.

Alongside Arshad's historic javelin triumph, Nooh Dastgir Butt won gold in the men's +109kg weightlifting event with a Commonwealth Games record total lift of 405kg, while Pakistan's wrestlers secured three silver medals through Muhammad Inam, Zaman Anwar and Muhammad Sharif Tahir.