Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem has expressed confidence ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying he is determined to defend his javelin title and create history once again on the international stage.
Read More: Arshad Nadeem’s father gets emotional after son’s terrific win
The 29-year-old athlete will depart for Switzerland on Monday, where he is set to compete in the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event. The competition will serve as his final preparation before heading to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2.
Speaking to the media after his final training session at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, Arshad said participating in a competition before every major event helps him assess his form, fitness and overall readiness.
The star thrower made history at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham by winning the gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 90.18 metres. He remains the defending champion and acknowledged that retaining the title comes with added expectations and pressure.
Arshad said he has prepared thoroughly for the Games and is focused on delivering another strong performance despite the intense competition expected in Glasgow. He added that pressure is a natural part of elite sport, but overcoming it is essential to achieving success.
The Pakistani athlete also highlighted the growing challenge from international competitors, noting that Sri Lanka’s Romesh Tharanga recently produced an impressive throw of 86.57 metres at the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting, making the upcoming event even more competitive.
Arshad continues to hold the Olympic and Asian record with his remarkable 92.97-metre throw at the Paris Olympics in 2024, a milestone that cemented his place among the world’s leading javelin throwers. He was also the first Pakistani athlete to qualify directly for the Paris Olympics.
Read More: Arshad Nadeem bags Global Breakthrough award
Leading Pakistan’s 36-member contingent, Arshad Nadeem will once again carry the nation’s hopes as he aims to successfully defend his Commonwealth Games title and add another historic achievement to his remarkable career.