Pakistan javelin star Arshad Nadeem responds to CWG exit backlash: ‘Deeply hurt by negative comments’
Arshad Nadeem Addresses CWG Disappointment: ‘Deeply Hurt by Negative Comments’
Bharatmorningnews.com – Pakistan javelin star Arshad Nadeem has publicly responded to the backlash following his performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. The defending champion finished ninth out of twelve athletes, achieving a distance of 75.39 meters that missed the coveted 80-meter mark. This outcome added to a difficult stretch for the Olympic gold medalist, who had previously placed tenth at the World Championships in Tokyo last year. The Pakistani athlete expressed genuine emotion about how the public reaction affected him personally.
Competition Results and Medal Winners
The men’s javelin event at Glasgow featured strong international competition. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage secured the gold medal with a remarkable 89.75-meter throw. India’s Neeraj Chopra took silver with 85.83 meters, while his compatriot Yash Vir Singh earned bronze at 85.41 meters. Nadeem’s result, while respectable, fell short of expectations given his status as the defending champion and Olympic champion.
Nadeem’s Response to Media Criticism
Speaking with Telecom Asia Sport, the Pakistani athlete shared his perspective on the criticism he received:
“The respect and recognition Pakistan has received around the world have come through years of hard work. I worked tirelessly while staying in Pakistan… My coach, Salman Butt, and I are deeply hurt by the negative comments in the mainstream media and on social media.”
“My request to the fans and the media is not to lose heart and not to stop supporting me. Whatever I have achieved has only been possible because Allah blessed me with the opportunity.”
Weather Conditions and Preparation Challenges
One of the primary factors affecting Nadeem’s performance was the challenging European climate. The cold temperatures caused his body to stiffen, which directly impacted his crucial run-up phase. In javelin throwing, the run-up is essential for generating momentum and power.
“The weather in Europe was extremely cold, which stiffened my body, and I was unable to run properly… The run-up in javelin throw is the main thing, and I could not execute it during the event. You may have seen in many of my previous competitions that my run-up is usually very smooth. But this time it wasn’t, because my body had become stiff due to the cold conditions.”
“My fitness was good, and my health was fine, but ultimately whatever Allah wills is what happens.”
Furthermore, Nadeem’s preparation season started later than intended. He competed only in the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern tournament in Switzerland, which took place two weeks before the Games. There, he finished ninth with a 78.47-meter throw, behind Germany’s Julian Weber. Wet weather and a sticky field prevented him from reaching his target in that preparatory competition.
Training Differences and Financial Support
While Nadeem trained in Lahore’s intense summer heat, his Indian competitors Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh prepared in Switzerland and Poland, adapting to Glasgow’s cooler environment. Financial limitations significantly influenced his training setup. Without help from the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation or the Pakistan Sports Board, he relied completely on local coach Salman Butt and regional fitness trainers.
A Press Trust of India report revealed that the federation had distanced itself from his preparations since last year, ignoring his requests for logistical assistance. Meanwhile, the PSB refused to allocate money for foreign coaches or specialized trainers, even for local sessions in Lahore. Nadeem’s choice to keep Butt has caused tensions with the PAAF. The defending champion ultimately handled his title defense on his own, missing his goal of a solo podium finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Arshad Nadeem’s final position at the CWG 2026?
Nadeem finished ninth out of twelve competitors with a throw of 75.39 meters, falling short of the 80-meter threshold.
Who won the gold medal in the men’s javelin at CWG 2026?
Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the gold medal with an impressive 89.75-meter attempt.
Why did Nadeem struggle with his run-up during the competition?
The extremely cold weather in Europe caused his body to stiffen, making it difficult for him to execute his normally smooth run-up phase.
How did Nadeem’s financial situation affect his training?
Without support from the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation or the Pakistan Sports Board, Nadeem depended entirely on local coach Salman Butt and regional fitness trainers for his preparation.
Where did Nadeem train compared to his Indian rivals?
While Nadeem prepared in Lahore’s intense summer heat, Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh trained in Switzerland and Poland to adapt to Glasgow’s cooler conditions.