Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem says he is ready to defend his Commonwealth Games title later this month. The 29 year old believes his preparations have gone well. He also expects a tough challenge in Glasgow.
Arshad will leave for Switzerland on Monday. He will compete in an international event before travelling to Scotland. The Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2. Glasgow will host a compact edition of the Games featuring 10 sports. Athletics remains one of the biggest attractions.
Switzerland event to test preparations
Speaking after his final training session at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, Arshad explained why he always competes before a major championship.
“I am going to feature in an event in Switzerland before a major competition like the Commonwealth Games. I participate in an event before any big contest, which gives me an idea about my strength and preparation [for the forthcoming major event].”
The Mian Channu born athlete believes the competition helps him judge his form. It also gives him confidence before a major tournament.
Arshad enters the Games as one of Pakistan’s strongest medal hopes. His 92.97 metre throw at the Paris Olympics in 2024 remains both the Olympic and Asian record. That effort also earned Pakistan its first individual Olympic gold medal in athletics.
Defending champion embraces pressure
Arshad won the Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham in 2022. He set a Games record with a throw of 90.18 metres. Now he wants to repeat that success in Glasgow.
“Four years after I broke the Commonwealth Games record in 2022, I remain in the same position. There is also pressure [on me] that I have been the champion for four years and now I will need to again do well [to retain the title].”
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The star athlete admitted that defending a title brings extra expectations. However, he believes handling pressure is part of elite sport.
“There is always pressure while entering the field, only then that pressure has to be controlled.”
Pakistan has named Arshad in its 36 member squad for the Games. He will lead the country’s medal hopes in athletics.
Tough competition awaits in Glasgow
Arshad expects stronger competition than ever before. He pointed to the recent performances of several international rivals.
“[Recently], Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga made an impressive throw of 86.57 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet. So, I strongly feel that the competition in Glasgow will be tough this time [too] but I am prepared for it.”
Fans also hope to see another chapter in Arshad’s rivalry with India’s Neeraj Chopra. Their contests have become some of the biggest events in world javelin.
Arshad became the first Pakistani athlete to qualify directly for the 2024 Olympic Games. He later made history by winning Olympic gold in Paris. Now he has another chance to add to his remarkable achievements. A successful title defence in Glasgow would further strengthen his legacy as one of Pakistan’s greatest athletes.
