The World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo delivered its share of drama, surprises, and heartbreak. For fans in South Asia, the spotlight was firmly on Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem, two of the most celebrated throwers in recent years. However, both men endured a tough outing and failed to secure a spot on the podium, leaving fans in India and Pakistan disappointed.
Neeraj Chopra’s Struggles in the Final
India’s poster boy of athletics, Neeraj Chopra, began the final with promise. His first throw measured 83.65m, a distance that suggested he was warming up to something special. He improved slightly with his second attempt, reaching 84.03m, keeping him in contention at that stage.
But as the competition progressed, Chopra’s rhythm began to fade:
- His third throw was declared a foul, a setback that halted his momentum.
- The fourth attempt registered 82.86m, which was below his usual high standards.
- Another foul on his fifth try further dented his chances.
Chopra’s efforts ultimately weren’t enough, and he finished eighth overall, a rare low point in his glittering career. For a man who has consistently delivered on the world’s biggest stages including his Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021 and World Championship triumphs this result will sting.
Arshad Nadeem’s Disappointing Campaign
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who has been a consistent rival to Chopra in recent years, also endured a difficult evening. His first throw of 82.73m was steady, though not threatening enough to challenge the leaders. After a foul on his second attempt, he managed to slightly improve with 82.75m on his third.
Unfortunately, his fourth throw was another foul, confirming his exit from medal contention. Unlike his memorable 2023 Asian Games triumph and his silver medal-winning throw at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, this performance did not reflect his true potential.
Contrast with His Qualifying Round
Interestingly, Arshad Nadeem had looked sharper during the qualifying stage earlier in the week. After beginning poorly with 76.99m and 74.17m, he dramatically turned things around on his third attempt with 85.28m, ensuring his place in the final. That throw had raised hopes among Pakistani supporters that he could challenge for a medal. But in the decisive round, he was unable to replicate the form that had carried him through.
Podium Results: Walcott, Peters, and Thompson Shine
While Chopra and Nadeem faltered, the medals went elsewhere:
- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) produced a stellar performance to clinch gold, confirming his resurgence on the global stage.
- Anderson Peters (Grenada), a two-time world champion, secured the silver medal, showing his consistency and pedigree in big tournaments.
- Curtis Thompson (United States) delighted the home-continent supporters with a strong effort that earned him the bronze medal.
This podium reflected the growing competitiveness of the javelin discipline, where athletes from across continents continue to push the boundaries.
Why Chopra and Nadeem Fell Short
Several factors may have contributed to the underwhelming displays from South Asia’s javelin giants:
- Inconsistent rhythm – Both Chopra and Nadeem struggled to find their flow after early throws. In javelin, where technique, timing, and mental calm are critical, even small disruptions can have major consequences.
- Pressure of expectations – Both men carried the hopes of millions. Chopra, as India’s golden boy, and Nadeem, as Pakistan’s athletics flagbearer, entered the competition under immense scrutiny.
- Strong competition – Walcott, Peters, and Thompson raised the bar, forcing others to chase big distances early. Playing catch-up proved too difficult.
What This Means Going Forward
Though the disappointment is undeniable, this setback does not diminish the stature of Neeraj Chopra or Arshad Nadeem in global athletics.
- For Neeraj Chopra: The Tokyo stadium has been both a place of triumph and heartbreak. His Olympic gold here cemented his legend, and this stumble is more of a reminder that even the best face tough days. Fans will now look ahead to see how he prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- For Arshad Nadeem: The challenge will be to regain the consistency he displayed in recent years. With proper training, injury management, and mental focus, he still has several peak years ahead.
The Bigger Picture in Javelin Throw
The results in Tokyo highlight a broader shift in world athletics. Once dominated by Europeans, the javelin is now a truly global event:
- The Caribbean continues to produce elite throwers like Walcott and Peters.
- South Asia has brought stars like Chopra and Nadeem into the global spotlight.
- The U.S. is beginning to emerge as a serious contender with throwers like Thompson.
This diversity not only makes the competition more exciting but also inspires younger athletes from non-traditional javelin nations to pursue the sport.
Final Thoughts
The World Athletics Championships 2025 will be remembered as a tournament of upsets in the men’s javelin final. Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, two of Asia’s brightest hopes, failed to replicate their past heroics, finishing outside medal contention. While fans in India and Pakistan may feel disheartened, the bigger story is that javelin has become more competitive than ever, with athletes from all corners of the globe stepping up.
For Chopra and Nadeem, this is likely just a temporary setback. Champions are defined not only by their victories but also by how they respond to defeats. Both men have the talent, resilience, and drive to bounce back stronger.
The Tokyo night belonged to Keshorn Walcott, Anderson Peters, and Curtis Thompson, but the journey for South Asia’s heroes is far from over. The road to redemption, and possibly another shot at glory, has already begun.
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