World Athletics Championships: Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan Struggles, Neeraj Chopra Cruises Into Final

Reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra made qualification look effortless at the World Athletics Championships. Wearing a lumbar support belt, the 27-year-old cleared the automatic qualification mark of 84.50 metres with his very first throw, continuing his tradition of easy qualifications at global events, including two Olympics and two World Championships.

“I am not happy with my technique tonight, but it got the job done,” Chopra said after his throw at the National Stadium in Tokyo — the same venue where he won his historic Olympic gold medal.

Indian Representation in the Final

Alongside Chopra, Sachin Yadav will also feature in the final after recording a throw of 83.67 metres, making him the second Indian javelin thrower to qualify.

Arshad Nadeem Battles Through Struggles

Arshad Nadeem, Olympic champion from Pakistan, endured a tough road to the final. Returning after injury and calf surgery, he started poorly in Group B with throws of 76.99 metres and 74.17 metres. On the verge of elimination, Nadeem delivered a clutch throw of 85.28 metres to secure his place in the final.

All it takes is one throw. 🌟

Wake up, throw, qualify. #TeamIIS star Neeraj Chopra storms into the Tokyo World Championships final with an 84.85m throw on his very first attempt.#WorldAthleticsChamps #CraftingVictories 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YYcvXH59wA

— Inspire Institute of Sport (@IIS_Vijayanagar) September 17, 2025

Speaking about his struggles, Nadeem admitted: “Two months ago, I underwent calf surgery. I wasn’t sure about my run-up length, but I knew I had to push harder in the third attempt. Tomorrow, I’ll need to be strategic — if I get the run-up right, I’ll get the throw.”

Other Key Contenders

• Julian Weber (Germany) – Despite illness, the Diamond League winner threw strongly enough to reach the final. He emphasized his focus on improving technique this season.
• Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic) – A three-time World Championship medalist and Olympic silver medalist, he sneaked into the final with 84.11 metres. Injury concerns, including a ruptured knee tendon, have limited his performances.
• Anderson Peters (Grenada) – The two-time World Champion laid down the marker with a huge 89.53 metres throw in qualification, the longest of the day. Peters declared, “The plan was to qualify with one throw. I didn’t expect to be throwing 89 metres right now.”

Final Showdown Awaits

With Chopra’s consistency, Nadeem’s unpredictability, Peters’ power, and strong contenders like Weber and Vadlejch, the men’s javelin final promises to be an intense battle. All 12 throwers will start fresh, making the outcome wide open.