The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. Reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and defending world champion Neeraj Chopra are poised to reignite their rivalry in the men’s javelin throw final. The event is scheduled for Thursday, promising a captivating display of athleticism.
The India versus Pakistan narrative takes center stage, not on a cricket field, but within the heart of a packed athletics stadium. Two of the world’s top javelin throwers will compete for gold.
Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist and the 2023 World Champion, will face off against Arshad Nadeem. Nadeem secured gold at Paris 2024, becoming Pakistan’s first Olympic champion in athletics. Both athletes will aim for victory in Tokyo, a place with Olympic significance for Chopra. Nadeem, as the reigning Olympic champion, will be seeking to claim the world title.
Arshad Nadeem’s path to the final was challenging. He began with a 76.99m throw in Group B, falling short of the 84.50m automatic qualifying mark. However, he delivered an 85.28m throw on his final attempt, securing his place in the 12-man final.
Neeraj Chopra, known for his composure, had a smooth qualification, needing only one throw to reach the final. His impressive 84.85m in his first attempt earned him a spot. He finished third in Group A, behind Julian Weber of Germany (87.21m) and Anderson Peters of Grenada, who had an outstanding throw of 89.53m.
Sachin Yadav will join Chopra in the final, as he secured his spot after progressing steadily. He finished 10th overall, giving India two representatives in the final.
The final will feature twelve of the world’s top athletes, all competing for the gold medal.
The men’s javelin throw final will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2025, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. The event will begin at 6:30 PM local time, 3:00 PM IST, and 2:30 PM PKT. Live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network and Jio Hotstar.