Arshad Nadeem plays down India vs Pakistan, Neeraj Chopra rivalry talks ahead of World Athletics Championships

New Delhi: The prominent rise of Asian athletes in Olympic track and field events, especially the men's javelin discipline, has completely shifted the power dynamics. Once dominated by European and North American athletes, the men's javelin has witnessed the emergence of India's Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem in the last two Olympic editions.

The last two men's javelin gold medals at the Summer Games have been claimed by Asians - Chopra in Tokyo 2020 and Nadeem in Paris 2024. The recent dominance by the Asian duo makes the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

While the mega-event will kick off on Saturday, September 13, the much-anticipated men's javelin final will be held next week on September 18. The participating list is filled with mega-stars, but all eyes will be on Chopra vs Nadeem, a rivalry which is set to take a broader form to turn into a contest between India vs Pakistan.

Though Chopra and Nadeem share a brotherly rivalry, it will be a different atmosphere altogether in their latest face-off due to the intense military conflict between their countries.

Both athletes are set to meet for the first time since Nadeem dethroned Chopra by winning the Olympic gold last year in Paris with a huge throw of 92.97m.

The reigning Olympic champion has competed in just one tournament since winning the gold in Paris, claiming the gold Asian Championships in May 2025. With a focus on the Diamond League and the World Championships, Neeraj did not take part in the continental event. 

The former Olympic and world champion finished second in the Diamond League finals with a best throw of 85.01m, but comes into the world meet free from the burden of breaching the elusive 90m mark. Chopra, who finally crossed the coveted barrier with a national record throw of 90.23m at the Doha Diamond League in May, will look to defend his world title, which he won in Budapest in 2023.

But the Indian faces stiff competition from Nadeem, who played down the rivalry with his Indian counterpart. Nadeem spoke to the local reporters ahead of his departure to Tokyo.

"My competition is always against Arshad Nadeem, I have my competitions against myself. I am in good shape and well prepared for the contest in Tokyo. Most of the other main rivals in Tokyo (javelin throw event) are same who were at the Paris Olympics, so it will be good contest," he said at an event at Punjab Stadium, as reported by the Dawn.

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Nadeem, though, has set his sights firmly on winning the world title. "I always target to do my best in every event and I am going to Tokyo with the same mission with high hopes. And rest is on God," he added.

Chopra and Nadeem were all set to meet in the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, but the event was postponed to July due to the military conflict between the two countries. Nadeem pulled out of the event, citing an injury, as Neeraj claimed the title with a throw of 86.18m. He has consistently finished in the top two in all competitions this year.