Olympic Men’s Javelin — Nadeem Breaks Out Big With OR

FEW NATIONS have a fiercer socio-political rivalry than India and Pakistan, creating an intense neighborly battle for spear supremacy here.

The two principals in this mini-drama, India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who went 1-2 in last year’s WC, both opened with fouls, leaving ’12 champ Keshorn Walcott the leader with a season best 282-8 (86.16). He would throw no farther.

In round 2, 2-time world champ Anderson Peters took the lead with his 288-3 (87.87). After a Walcott foul, Nadeem was up, and did he deliver. He unleashed a massive 305-0 (92.97), breaking Andreas Thorkildsen’s Olympic Record of 297-1 (90.57), and was now suddenly No.6 on the all-time list.

That throw woke up the field. Defending champ Chopra responded with 293-5 (89.45), his No. 2 all-time performance. He was then followed by Julian Weber (286-9/87.33) and Julius Yego (287-9/87.87).

In round 3, Nadeem didn’t improve, although his 291-1 (88.72) was good enough to medal in all previous Games. Chopra fouled, while Jakub Vadlejch moved into 3rd after his 290-4 (88.50).

Chopra fouled again in round 4, as only Peters would improve after his 290-6 (88.54) thrust him into bronze position, 2 inches in front of Vadlejch.

With Chopra bitten by the foul bug his last 4 throws, he would settle for silver.

Nadeem capped his day with a 301-1 (91.79) effort in the 6th round, putting the cherry on the cake for Pakistan’s first ever track & field gold — and first individual Olympic gold in any sport.

For Nadeem, whose previous best was 295-10 [90.18] from the ‘22 Commonwealth Games, Paris was only his seventh competition since ’22. He relived his golden moment, saying, “When I threw the javelin, I got the feel of it leaving my hand, and sensed it could be an Olympic Record, inshallah [God willing]. God indeed made it an Olympic Record.”

The confident champion added, “I was expecting and hoping to even go farther but ultimately, I am content with 92.97 as it allowed me to win the gold. But I will continue working harder to extend this throw to over 95m [311-8].”

Chopra, who lost to Nadeem for the first time in their 10 career meetings, reflected, “It was a good throw. I’m not that happy with my performance today and also my technique and runway was not that good. Only one throw, the rest I fouled.

“Today’s…