Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem delivered an outstanding performance with a throw of 86.59 meters, securing third place in the Olympic men’s javelin throw qualifier at Stade de France. This season-best throw on his opening attempt has significantly boosted Pakistan’s hopes for an Olympic medal, following Nadeem’s fifth-place finish at Tokyo 2020.
Leading the qualifiers was India’s reigning Olympic and world champion, Neeraj Chopra, who threw a massive 89.34 meters, also a season best. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured second place with an 88.63-meter throw on his first attempt, joining Chopra and Nadeem as the top three throwers from Group B advancing to the finals.
In Group A, Germany’s Julian Weber led the field with an 87.76-meter throw, securing his spot in the final with his first and only attempt. Julius Yego of Kenya, the Rio 2016 silver medalist, posted the second-best throw of the day with a season-best 85.97 meters. Current world number one Jakub Vadlejch from Czechia threw 85.63 meters, landing him in third place in Group A. Finland’s Toni Keranen marked his Olympic debut with a personal and season-best throw of 85.27 meters, earning his place in the final.
The final round promises to be highly competitive with top contenders like Chopra, Peters, Weber, Yego, Vadlejch, Keranen, and Nadeem, all demonstrating exceptional form. The event is set to take place on Thursday night, where Nadeem will aim to clinch Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics.
Finalists from Group A:
- Julian Weber (Germany) – 87.76 meters
- Julius Yego (Kenya) – 85.97 meters
- Jakub Vadlejch (Czechia) – 85.63 meters
- Toni Keranen (Finland) – 85.27 meters
Finalists from Group B:
- Neeraj Chopra (India) – 89.34 meters
- Anderson Peters (Grenada) – 88.63 meters
- Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) – 86.59 meters
Nadeem’s performance has reignited excitement and anticipation among Pakistani fans, who are hopeful for a historic podium finish.
