Arshad Nadeem skips Lausanne Diamond League, set for South Africa training camp

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist and star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has decided to skip this month’s Lausanne Diamond League as he shifts his focus towards an overseas training stint in South Africa.

Nadeem, who is currently undergoing intensive preparations at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, was initially included in the entry list for the Lausanne Diamond League scheduled for August 21. However, according to sources, the 28-year-old has opted against competing in Switzerland and will instead travel to South Africa for a two-week training camp.

Nadeem is expected to train in Potchefstroom, a venue where he has previously completed two training stints. He will depart for South Africa on the first available flight once his visa is issued.

The decision comes after his disappointing outing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where the defending champion finished ninth in the men’s javelin final with a best throw of 77.41 metres.

Nadeem failed to secure a place among the top eight after the opening three rounds and was subsequently eliminated from the competition.

Following his South Africa camp, Nadeem is expected to compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest from September 6 to 14 before turning his attention to the Asian Games.

The Pakistani star will now aim to use the training camp to regain his rhythm and peak for the major international events ahead.