The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) unveiled plans to organise an International Javelin Tournament later this year, sparking excitement among athletics enthusiasts and raising hopes that Pakistan's Olympic champion, Arshad Nadeem, will be part of the event.
Set to feature the world’s top 10 javelin throwers, this high-profile invitational tournament is eagerly anticipated.
However, the burning question on everyone's mind is whether Arshad Nadeem, the gold medallist at the Paris Olympics, will make his much-awaited debut on Indian soil.
Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medalist, is expected to personally invite participants for the event.
If Arshad Nadeem receives an invitation, it would set the stage for a thrilling face-off between two of the sport’s biggest stars, sparking a showdown that could captivate fans across the globe.
The potential clash between Arshad and Neeraj, who secured the silver in Paris, has already ignited imaginations within the athletics community.
The meeting of these two javelin giants in India could be a defining moment for the sport, providing fans with a spectacle of unparalleled excitement.
Reports suggest that the AFI is planning to schedule the tournament after the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, slated for September 13 to 21.
This timing will allow athletes to recover and prepare for the next major competition, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
The rivalry between Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra has gained significant attention, especially following their remarkable performances at the Paris Olympics, where Arshad triumphed with gold and Neeraj claimed silver.
A potential meeting in India would not only elevate the profile of the tournament but also add another thrilling chapter to their intense rivalry.
As the tournament draws closer, the question of whether Arshad Nadeem will receive an official invitation remains.
The decision could serve as a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship and pave the way for greater collaboration in regional athletics, offering an opportunity for unity through sport.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
