Arshad Nadeem crashes out of Commonwealth Games 2026 Javelin Final

GLASGOW: Pakistan’s hopes of another Commonwealth Games javelin medal ended in disappointment as reigning Olympic champion and defending Commonwealth gold medalist Arshad Nadeem failed to progress beyond the opening three rounds of the men’s javelin throw final on Friday.

The 29-year-old endured a difficult outing from the very beginning, opening his title defence with a foul before registering a throw of 77.41 metres in his second attempt. Needing a significant improvement to break into the top eight and earn three additional throws, Nadeem managed only 75.39 metres in his third attempt, leaving him in ninth place and out of medal contention.

Nadeem had entered the competition as one of the favourites after winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a record-breaking 90.18-metre throw. However, he struggled to find his rhythm throughout the competition, having also qualified for the final in seventh place with a best effort of 78.63 metres.

Meanwhile, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka produced a stunning 89.75-metre throw in the second round to claim the gold medal, despite fouling on his remaining attempts. India’s Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal with a season-best 85.83 metres, while compatriot Yash Vir Singh snatched bronze with an impressive 85.41-metre throw on his final attempt.

Pakistan’s Yasir Sultan also missed out on the final after finishing 14th in the qualification round with a best throw of 74.36 metres, bringing Pakistan’s campaign in the men’s javelin event to a disappointing end.