IND vs PAK in World Athletics Championship as Neeraj Chopra set to tussle with Arshad Nadeem

Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem's IND vs PAK rivalry will take centre stage again in World Athletics Championship final on Thursday

Neeraj Chopra will once again go head to head with rival Arshad Nadeem in the World Athletics Championship final on Thursday. Chopra the defending champion qualified in his very first attempt in Tokyo on Wednesday. Nadeem faced the risk of missing out after two below par throws, but made it through with his final attempt.

Neeraj Chopra, Arshad Nadeem to resume rivalry in World Athletics Championship

It is yet another India vs Pakistan clash. Days after the cricket team’s collided in Dubai, Neeraj Chopra will face off against Arshad Nadeem in World Athletics Championship. Chopra is the reigning World champion, while Nadeem won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year. While the duo maintain a great friendship, it has been tested in recent times in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Nadeem had a invite for the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru but was later rescinded after Chopra faced backlash. The prospect of the two javelin aces fighting for glory promises to be a tantalizing prospect in Tokyo. Neeraj took little time to make his mark at a venue where he won the historic gold medal in 2021 Olympics.

He launched a throw of 84.85m and qualified directly for the final; The automatic qualification mark was 84.50m. Nadeem on the other hand threw 76.99m and 74.17m in his first two attempts, before achieving a stunning a 85.28m in his final attempt.