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Arshad Nadeem injury rules out India-Pakistan javelin duel at Asian Games
Arshad complained of pain in his right knee after his first training session in Hangzhou.
Pakistan's ace javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has withdrawn from the ongoing Asian Games. Nadeem, the only South Asian to breach the 90m barrier -- a feat he achieved at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games (90.18m) that Chopra missed -- has been ruled out due to persistent pain in his right knee.
A statement released by Pakistan’s Chef de Mission, released by POA, said that Arshad complained of pain in his right knee after his first training session in Hangzhou, The athlete was then taken for a MRI scan following which the decision to skip the Asiad was taken.
“After arrival at Hangzhou at the first training session on 27th September 2023, Mr Arshad Nadeem revealed and complained to Dr Asad Abbas who was accompanying him that he has been grappling with persistent pain for several months, a concern that has become particularly pressing in the aftermath of the World Athletics Championship,” the statement highlighted.
“On 2nd October, he again complained of pain in the right knee and expressed a desire to undergo an evaluation to determine the impact on his ability to participate in the javelin throw event. The Chief Medical Officer of the Pakistan Contingent recommended a comprehensive check-up.
“Arshad Nadeem underwent a thorough medical examination, including a non-invasive test ie MRI at a local hospital in Hangzhou. The MRI revealed a chronic injury which he has been carrying.”
Nadeem's withdrawal means the much-anticipated rerun of the 2018 Asian Games where Chopra won the gold and Nadeem took bronze, will not take place. Nadeem's only competition this season was the World Championships in Budapest in August where he won a silver medal with a throw of 87.82m.
