Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem faced a wave of criticism following his below-par performance at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, where he finished 10th in the men’s javelin throw final. In response, his long-time coach Salman Iqbal has issued a strong defense, citing lack of institutional support, disrupted training schedules, and bureaucratic interference as key reasons behind the athlete’s underwhelming result.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) had formally asked Iqbal to submit a detailed explanation for Nadeem’s performance, including a breakdown of his training regimen and financial expenditures. Iqbal’s reply, submitted on October 11, 2025, paints a troubling picture of neglect and mismanagement within Pakistan’s athletics ecosystem.
🧠 Key Highlights from Coach Salman Iqbal’s Defense
| Issue Raised | Coach’s Explanation |
|---|---|
| Performance Decline | Due to interrupted training and injury recovery |
| Federation Support | “Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation has disassociated itself” |
| Financial Oversight | “No consistent funding or equipment access” |
| Mental Pressure | “Unrealistic expectations without support” |
| Training Disruptions | “No access to international camps in 2025” |
Iqbal emphasized that Nadeem had been training without a physiotherapist or biomechanical analyst for over six months, despite repeated requests to the federation.
📊 Arshad Nadeem’s Recent Performance Timeline
| Year | Event | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Commonwealth Games | 90.18m | Gold |
| 2022 | World Championships (Eugene) | 88.13m | Silver |
| 2024 | Paris Olympics | 89.45m | Gold |
| 2025 | World Championships (Tokyo) | 82.67m | 10th place |
The drop in performance has raised concerns, but experts argue that it must be viewed in context of injury recovery and lack of competitive exposure.
🧾 Institutional Challenges Faced by Arshad Nadeem
| Challenge Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Administrative Neglect | No travel clearance for European training |
| Equipment Shortage | Used outdated javelins during prep |
| Coaching Isolation | No assistant coaches or technical staff |
| Federation Politics | Internal disputes affecting athlete morale |
Iqbal’s report also accuses the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation of failing to coordinate with international bodies for exposure tours and technical upgrades.
🗣️ Reactions from Sporting Fraternity
- Pakistan Sports Board: “We are reviewing the coach’s explanation and will take corrective steps.”
- Former Olympian Shujauddin Malik: “Arshad is a national asset. He deserves better.”
- Athletics Federation: “We deny allegations of neglect and await formal inquiry.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Sports Analysts | Call for overhaul of athletics governance |
| Fans and Citizens | Support Arshad, trend #StandWithNadeem |
| Media | Mixed coverage, focus on accountability |
The incident has sparked a broader debate on how Pakistan treats its elite athletes and the sustainability of its sports infrastructure.
🧭 Road Ahead for Arshad Nadeem
Despite the setback, Iqbal confirmed that Nadeem will continue training for the 2026 Asian Games and World Athletics Final. Plans are underway to send him to Finland or Germany for biomechanical assessment and high-altitude training.
| Upcoming Event | Preparation Plan |
|---|---|
| Asian Games 2026 | International camp + mental conditioning |
| World Athletics Final | Equipment upgrade + tactical coaching |
| National Trials 2026 | Domestic competition for rhythm recovery |
Iqbal has requested the PSB to release funds for a full-time support team including a physiotherapist, nutritionist, and sports psychologist.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified sports statements, official reports, and media coverage as of October 12, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute athletic endorsement, performance prediction, or institutional judgment and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
