Pakistan’s Javelin thrower Yasir Sultan lacks international-standard equipment

LAHORE: As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, the country’s second-ranked javelin thrower, Yasir Sultan, says he is still training without an international-standard javelin, highlighting the challenges faced by emerging athletes despite the country’s recent success in the sport.

Speaking during a training session at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, Yasir revealed that he continues to practise with locally made equipment because he does not have access to a competition-grade javelin.

The athlete said that in the past he occasionally borrowed a javelin from Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem. However, he explained that both athletes now train at the same time, making it difficult and inappropriate to rely on Arshad’s equipment.

“I train with a local javelin. Earlier I could borrow one from Arshad Nadeem, but now our training schedules are the same, so I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask him anymore,” Yasir said.

He added that after requesting support from the athletics federation, officials forwarded a request to the Pakistan Sports Board for the provision of international-standard javelins. Yasir expressed hope that the equipment would be provided soon, allowing him to improve his preparation ahead of major international competitions.

The Commonwealth Games remain Yasir’s primary target this season. He described the event as a significant opportunity in his career and said competing alongside Arshad Nadeem on such a prestigious stage would be a matter of pride.

“It will be an honour to compete with Arshad at such a major event,” he said, adding that having the Olympic champion in the same competition provides both motivation and added pressure to perform at his best.

Yasir also revealed that under his new coach, greater emphasis has been placed on improving fitness and physical conditioning. He believes those changes will help him deliver stronger performances in the months ahead.

Pakistan has gained international recognition in javelin throw in recent years, but Yasir’s experience underscores the resource challenges still faced by developing athletes. His call for better equipment has renewed attention on the need for greater investment in training facilities and modern sporting gear to help the country’s next generation of athletes compete successfully on the world stage.