Paris Olympics: Arshad Nadeem into javelin throw final with 86.59m throw

PARIS: Arshad Nadeem claimed the qualification mark in his opening attempt in the men’s javelin throw qualifier event at the Paris Olympics 2024 with his season-best 86.59m throw.

India’s Neeraj Chopra kicked off his title defense with a massive throw of 89.34m in his first attempt in the qualification round. Chopra achieved his personal best and currently leading Group B in the qualification phase of the men’s javelin throw event.

Grenadian javelin thrower Anderson Peters followed Chopra to remain second in Group B and claimed a spot in the javelin final with a throw of 88.63m.

During the qualification stage, athletes were divided into two groups and were required to achieve the qualifying mark of 84.00 meters to make it into the medal round, which will take place on Thursday.

This marks Nadeem’s second consecutive Olympic final, following his impressive fifth-place finish in Tokyo 2020. As Pakistan’s six out of seven athletes have been out of their respective events, Nadeem, 27, is Pakistan’s last and biggest hope for a medal in the Olympics Summer Games.

From Group A, reigning European Champion Julian Weber finished first in his group and overall third after Chopra and Peters with an 87.76m throw. All four athletes including Arshad Nadeem walked away from the qualifier round with a lone throw that saw them comfortably through to the final.

A total of 12 athletes will compete in the javelin throw final which will take place on August 8, Tuesday, at 11:25 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST).