Tensions between India and Pakistan, heightened after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, have spilled onto the sports field in recent months. During the Asia Cup 2025, Indian cricketers notably refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Now, the spotlight shifts from cricket to athletics as fans gear up for another India-Pakistan showdown—this time in the javelin throw final of the World Athletics Championships 2025.

Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem
India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will lock horns with Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo on Thursday, September 18. Both athletes cleared the 84.50-meter mark in the qualification rounds to secure their spots in the final.

• In Group A, Neeraj Chopra threw 84.85 meters on his very first attempt, comfortably qualifying for the final.

• In Group B, Arshad Nadeem stumbled initially, failing to cross the 80-meter line in his first two throws. But he bounced back with a massive 85.28 meters on his third throw, clinching qualification.

This will be the first major clash between the two rivals since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Head-to-Head Record
Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem have faced each other 10 times in international competitions, with Arshad managing to defeat Neeraj only once. The stage is now set for a high-voltage contest at the very venue where Neeraj won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with an 87.58-meter throw, while Arshad finished fifth with 84.62 meters.

Final Event Details

• Event: Men’s Javelin Throw Final, World Athletics Championships 2025

• Venue: Japan National Stadium, Tokyo

• Date & Time: September 18, 3:53 PM IST