Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated Olympic javelin throw champion, entered the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with high expectations. However, he faced a shocking early elimination during the men’s javelin final on September 18, 2025.

Nadeem qualified for the final on September 17 with determination. He struggled initially in Group B, posting throws of 76.99m and 74.17m that put him at risk of missing the cut. Fortunately, he qualified with a season-best 85.28m at his third attempt.

This followed his recovery from calf surgery in July, which sidelined him from Diamond League events.

Despite his Paris 2024 Olympic record of 92.97m, he struggled in the final.

His first throw reached 82.75m, but a foul on his second and a 82.73m third throw hurt his chances. Another foul led to his exit after four rounds, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters led with 87.38m.

Fans expected a thrilling showdown with India’s Neeraj Chopra, but Nadeem finished 10th, missing the podium.