Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem joins Neeraj Chopra in javelin final with season best throw at Paris Olympics 2024

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Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan joined India's Neeraj Chopra in javelin throw final after making his season best throw of 86.59 in the qualification round on Tuesday, August 6. Arshad Nadeem is the only Pakistan athlete from the seven-member contingent to qualify for a final event at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The World Championships silver medallist was the second athlete after Neeraj to make a direct qualification for the men's javelin thrown final from Group B. Neeraj Chopra also made a monstrous season best throw of 89.34.

While Arshad Nadeem's previous season best throw was 84.21 metres - his final throw at the prestigious Paris Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra had made a 88.36 metre throw earlier.

As per the rules, any athlete making a throw of 84 meters or more would make direct entry into the final which will be held on Thursday. Twelve athletes will make their way to the final round.

Anderson Peters of Grenada made a 88.63m throw to make his place between Neeraj and Nadeem in Group B. Julian Weber of Germany made the best throw in Group A which saw four athletes qualify directly. Weber made a throw of 87.76 and was followed by Julius Yego (85.97), Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch (85.63) and Toni Keranen (85.27) of Finland.

India's Kishore Jena finished ninth in Group A and made a final throw of 80.73 metres. Jena had talked about the friendly rivalry between Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 javelin throw event.

"No, it's not like that. Since it's the Olympics, a lot of countries have come. We don't think like that. There is nothing like that. It is friendly when we meet them. I also meet them. There is no such intention," said Jena in a chat with ANI.

"You know how much Indian athletics has grown because of Neeraj bhai. Everyone has high hopes for him. It feels good that he is with us. He is staying with us. We wish him well.

"Preparation is very good, and we are getting a lot of support from here. It will be good. I will give my best tomorrow. I will play like a finalist. It is my first time, so l will give 100 per cent," he had added.