Arshad Nadeem throws 77.41m in second attempt at Commonwealth javelin final

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem recorded a 77.41-metre throw on his second attempt in the men’s javelin final at the Commonwealth Games after his opening effort was declared a foul. India’s Neeraj Chopra, meanwhile, strengthened his lead at Scotstoun Stadium with an impressive 85.83-metre throw after starting with 80.97 metres. Ben East followed in second place with 81.12 metres.

Nadeem will now need a major improvement in his next attempt to remain in medal contention, with the competition already moving beyond the 80-metre mark.

The final began at 8:15pm local time in Edinburgh, with the contest drawing major attention because of the renewed rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra. However, Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage entered the medal round as one of the strongest contenders after topping the qualification standings a day earlier.

Ahead of the final, Nadeem appealed to supporters to pray for his success, saying in a social media message that he hoped to perform well and make Pakistan proud. Reports ahead of the event also noted that the Olympic champion had asked fans to keep him in their prayers before the medal contest.

Pathirage led Thursday’s qualification round with a best throw of 82.84 metres. Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished second with 81.29 metres, while South Africa’s Douw Smit followed with 80.84 metres. None of the 12 finalists crossed the automatic qualification mark of 84 metres, with cold and windy conditions affecting performances across the field.

Chopra had qualified in fifth place with 79.61 metres, while Nadeem secured seventh position with a best effort of 78.63 metres. The Pakistan Olympic Association confirmed Nadeem’s place in the final after his 78.63-metre qualification throw.

The final brings together several of the world’s leading javelin throwers, including major championship medallists and top finishers from the Paris Olympics. Nadeem enters the event as the defending Commonwealth Games champion and reigning Olympic champion. He won Commonwealth gold in 2022 with a Games-record throw of 90.18 metres before making history at the Paris Olympics with a 92.97-metre throw, which earned Pakistan its first individual Olympic gold medal and set a new Olympic record.

Chopra, meanwhile, remains one of the most successful javelin throwers in the field. The Indian star has enjoyed a dominant head-to-head record against Nadeem over the years and has won major titles across the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games and Diamond League circuit.

Despite the focus on the Chopra-Nadeem rivalry, Pathirage’s recent form has added a new dimension to the contest. The Sri Lankan thrower has been one of the standout athletes of the season and will be looking to convert his qualification lead into a Commonwealth medal.

With Chopra already crossing 80 metres in his opening attempt and Nadeem still waiting to throw, the final remains finely poised.