Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist and star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has decided to skip the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League and instead travel to South Africa for a specialized training camp.
Nadeem, who is currently training at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, was initially named in the entry list for the Lausanne Diamond League, scheduled for August 21. However, sources said the 28-year-old athlete has opted to priorities preparations through an overseas training stint rather than compete in the event.
Nadeem to train in South Africa
The Pakistani athlete is expected to travel to Potchefstroom, South Africa, for a two-week training camp. Nadeem has previously trained at the same venue and is familiar with its facilities and training conditions.
He will leave for South Africa on the first available flight after receiving his visa.
The decision comes as Nadeem looks to regain his form ahead of a busy international season. Following his training camp, he 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 training stint is expected to provide Nadeem and his coaching team with an opportunity to work intensively on his technique, fitness and consistency ahead of those major competitions.
Disappointing outing at Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Nadeem’s decision follows a difficult campaign at the recently concluded Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he finished ninth in the men’s javelin throw final.
The Olympic champion recorded a best throw of 77.41 meters and was unable to qualify for the final rounds after finishing outside the top eight following the opening three attempts.
Arshad Nadeem reaches Commonwealth Games 2026 javelin throw final
The result was particularly disappointing because Nadeem entered the competition as the defending Commonwealth Games champion.
After his Glasgow performance, the upcoming training period in South Africa could prove important as the Pakistani athlete prepares for the remaining major events of the season.
Focus shifts to upcoming championships
Despite the setback in Glasgow, Nadeem remains one of Pakistan’s leading hopes in international athletics. His Olympic gold medal-winning performance established him among the world’s elite javelin throwers, while his Commonwealth Games success has also made him a prominent figure in Pakistani sport.
For now, however, his immediate focus is on rebuilding his form and preparing for the challenges ahead.
With the Lausanne Diamond League no longer part of his schedule, Nadeem will instead use the next few weeks for intensive preparation in South Africa before returning to international competition at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
