Finally, the moment has come when we will see India’s golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, competing in the men’s javelin throw final at Paris Olympics. Yes, everyone is hoping for a podium finish from the Indian athlete, but he faces strong competition at the games. Neeraj Chopra will take on the challenge against 11 other javelin throwers in the final.
Although Neeraj has tough competition from Jakub Vadlejch, Anderson Peters, and Julian Weber, he has a strong chance to finish on the podium. Not only Neeraj, but his fierce competitor and Pakistan’s only medal hope, Arshad Nadeem, could share the podium at the Paris Olympics.
The Neeraj vs Arshad show
There’s a strong chance that Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem will finish on the podium. In the qualification event, which took place on Tuesday, Neeraj Chopra achieved his season-best throw of 89.34 metres. Additionally, at the same event, Arshad Nadeem threw 86.59 metres, also a season-best for him, securing third place in his heats. Although the numbers in the qualification don’t have to be the same for the final, they show one’s form in the tournament.
Neeraj Chopra showed his temperament in the qualification and will definitely go for the podium finish, but what makes Arshad Nadeem a contender for the podium? Let’s find out.
Arshad Nadeem has been in great form. His personal best is higher than Neeraj’s; while Neeraj has a personal best of 89.94 meters, Arshad has a personal best of 90.18 meters. His personal best is among the top four competitors.
Arshad can clutch on big stages. He has won medals for the Commonwealth Games or the World Championship. In the 2023 World Championship, he claimed silver, and in the Commonwealth Games, he won a gold medal.
Arshad has been in Paris for a long time, having competed in the recently concluded Diamond League. This gives him an upper edge, as the Olympics are also taking place in the same country. In javelin, adapting to the wind and other natural elements is important—an advantage Nadeem currently wants.
If Arshad wins, he might secure a bronze medal at the Olympics and finish on the podium with Neeraj Chopra.
