Islamabad: Prominent Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has dismissed any notions of rivalry with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, stressing the importance of learning from accomplished athletes like his Indian counterpart.
Nadeem and Chopra have both secured qualifications for the upcoming Paris Olympics and the World Championships men's javelin throw final, scheduled for Sunday. While Chopra's impressive performance in Budapest saw him earn a direct spot in the World Championships final with a throw of 88.77m, Nadeem achieved his Paris Olympics qualification and entered the final with a season-best throw of 86.79m.
Nadeem, addressing the media following his qualification for the final, underlined his approach to competition: "I don't compete against anyone. I try to always compete with myself and to consistently improve. There is no rivalry with Neeraj." He added, "You can always learn from top athletes."
Expressing admiration for his Indian counterpart, Nadeem, who recently returned to competition after recovering from an elbow injury that necessitated surgery, said, "I wish him the best that he does well, and my job is to get better and better for my country."
Nadeem's journey includes a remarkable achievement at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. With Chopra sidelined due to a groyne injury, Nadeem clinched Pakistan's first medal in any track and field event in 56 years by securing the gold medal with an impressive throw of 90.18 metres.
Chopra was among the first to extend his congratulations to Nadeem for this monumental accomplishment.