ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem said he’s focused on “strategy and run-up” as he prepares for Thursday’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships, having narrowly qualified after a dramatic turnaround.

“In my mind, I knew I would qualify. And God willing, I did,” the 28-year-old said. He landed a powerful third and final throw of 85.28 meters, well beyond the 84.50m qualifying mark. This followed two below-par attempts that sent shockwaves through the Tokyo National Stadium.

With the qualification scare behind him, Nadeem sets his sights on the final, not with pressure, but with purpose.

“Tomorrow is the final, I’ll need to be strategic and think about it going in,” he told World Athletics. “I knew I had to take a longer run-up; I opened my mind to that.”

Having recently undergone surgery for a calf injury, Nadeem admitted his lack of training was a factor in his rocky start on Wednesday. His first two throws were 76.99m and 74.17m. These were among his worst in years and sparked concern in the stands and back home in Pakistan.

“I haven’t had much practice with my run-ups since my surgery,” he explained. “I was a bit confused about how much of a run-up to take, so I was just setting that up. Thanks to God, I qualified on the third attempt.”

As Pakistan’s sole representative at the championship and its leading medal hope, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion carries immense national expectations. But in typical Arshad fashion, he remained grounded.

“The goal tomorrow is to do my best. Whatever else God has written for me is what shall happen,” he said.

Nadeem, who won silver at last year’s World Championships and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. However, the Tokyo heat, recent rehabilitation, and stiff competition mean Thursday’s final will test not just his strength, but also his composure and preparation.

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‘Strategy, run-up’ in focus in World Athletics Championships javelin final: Arshad Nadeem