Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem and India's Neeraj Chopra have both qualified for the final of the men's javelin event at the Paris Olympics. Nadeem secured his place with a single impressive throw of 86.59 metres, which was also his season's best. Chopra, meanwhile, also recorded his season's best with a throw of 89.34 metres. Both athletes comfortably surpassed the automatic qualification mark of 84 meters.
Unfortunately, India's Kishore Jena was unable to advance to the final, with a throw of 80.73 meters.
Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra's Asian Dominance
Arshad Nadeem has solidified his position as one of Asia's top javelin throwers. His impressive throw of 90.18 meters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games places him second on the continent's all-time list, just behind Taiwan's Chao Tsun Cheng, who holds the record with a 91.36-meter effort.
Neeraj Chopra, India's star athlete, is in pursuit of the elusive 90-meter mark. His personal best of 89.94 meters, achieved in the 2022 Diamond League, puts him on the cusp of history. With his strong performance in the Olympic qualifiers, Chopra is confident of becoming the third Asian to break the 90-meter barrier.
ALSO READ: Reigning champion Neeraj Chopra qualifies for final with second-best throw of his career
Neeraj and Arshad's Friendly Rivalry
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem have developed a strong and respectful rivalry over the past three years. Their competition has pushed both athletes to new heights. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 27-year-old Arshad Nadeem faced challenges in acquiring a new javelin ahead of the Olympics.
"It has now got to a stage where the javelin is damaged, and I have asked the national federation and my coach to do something about it before the Paris Olympics,” Nadeem had said.
Seeing Arshad struggle, Neeraj said, "It is hard to believe that he has been struggling to get a new javelin. Given his credentials, this should not be a big issue at all," he had added.
Neeraj Chopra Holds Dominance Over Arshad Nadeem
In their nine previous encounters, Neeraj Chopra has maintained an undefeated record against Arshad Nadeem. The Indian javelin star will be looking to extend his winning streak, while Nadeem aims to secure his first victory against his rival.
Here’s the list of athletes who will feature in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
- Neeraj Chopra (IND) - 89.34m (SB)
- Anderson Peters (GRN) - 88.63m (SB)
- Julian Weber (GER) - 87.76m
- Arshad Nadeem (PAK) - 86.59m (SB)
- Julius Yego (KEN) - 85.97m (SB)
- Luiz Mauricio da Silva (BRA) - 85.91m (AR)
- Jakub Vadlejch (CZE) - 85.63m
- Toni Keranen (FIN) - 85.27m (PB)
- Andrian Mardare (MDA) - 84.13m (SB)
- Oliver Helander (FIN) - 83.81m
- Keshorn Walcott (TTO) - 83.02m
- Lassi Etelatalo (FIN) - 82.91m
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