Arshad Nadeem misses podium at Ultimate Championship

Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem finished fifth in the men’s javelin throw at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest despite producing his best throw of the season.

Competing at the National Athletics Centre on Sunday, Arshad registered a throw of 81.49 metres on his third attempt. However, the mark was not enough to secure a place in the decisive final round under the competition’s format.

Sri Lankan thrower Rumesh Pathirage stole the spotlight with a stunning 91.09-metre effort in the fourth round to claim the gold medal. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured silver with a throw of 86.18 metres, while Germany’s Julian Weber took bronze after recording 85.89 metres.

Arshad had a difficult start to the competition, managing 74.42 metres with his opening throw. He improved to 79.66 metres on his second attempt before producing his strongest effort of 81.49 metres in the third round.

Only the top four athletes were allowed to advance to the fourth and final round, bringing Arshad’s campaign to an early end despite his season-best performance.

Weber initially set the benchmark with an 84.09-metre throw before Peters moved ahead with 86.18 metres. Pathirage also made his presence felt with an 85.69-metre effort before improving further.

The Sri Lankan athlete then produced an 87.11-metre throw before delivering the decisive 91.09-metre effort that effectively sealed the title.

The fifth-place finish continues a challenging season for Arshad, who has struggled to replicate the remarkable form that earned him Olympic gold in Paris in 2024. He won the Olympic title with a record-breaking 92.97-metre throw.

His 2026 season began with a ninth-place finish at an event in Switzerland. He later endured another setback at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he failed to qualify for the final after managing a best throw of only 77.41 metres.

Arshad will now turn his attention to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with the men’s javelin final scheduled for September 28. Pathirage is expected to enter the competition as one of the strongest contenders following his impressive performance in Budapest.