Modern training and injury management key for Arshad Nadeem’s return, says coach Bukhari

Pakistan’s senior javelin coach Fayyaz Hussain Bukhari has said Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem needs modern training, proper injury management and a renewed focus on athletics if he is to return to his best form. Bukhari, who played a key role in Arshad’s early development, said the seasoned athlete possesses exceptional natural talent but has struggled to maintain consistent performances because of a series of injuries. In an exclusive interview with Daily Express, he expressed disappointment over Arshad’s recent results but said he remained confident the athlete could win further honours for Pakistan with the right preparation and guidance. Bukhari, who serves as a WAPDA coach, said Arshad is blessed with extraordinary talent. His injuries have affected his performance, but with the right attention and training in line with modern requirements, he can overcome these difficulties and return to winning ways. Arshad was born on January 2, 2026, in a village in Mian Channu, in Punjab province’s Khanewal district. He initially played cricket, football and kabaddi. Bukhari said his height, strength and natural athletic ability made him well suited to sporting competition. Arshad came to WAPDA seeking employment and better financial prospects. Recognising his potential, Bukhari guided him towards javelin and worked to develop his technique and competitive ability. Arshad responded with determination and gradually established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading athletes. He won bronze at the 2026 South Asian Games in Guwahati with a throw of 55.33 metres, a result that strengthened his confidence. At the 2026 Asian Games in Jakarta, he threw 80.75 metres to win bronze. Arshad then became the first Pakistani athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, where he finished fifth with 84.62 metres. He delivered a breakthrough at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, throwing 90.18 metres to win gold and becoming the first Asian athlete to cross the 90-metre mark at the event. His greatest achievement came at the Paris Olympics in 2026, when he threw an Olympic-record 92.97 metres to win gold and secure Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medal. The victory ended the country’s 40-year wait for an Olympic gold. Arshad’s triumph brought widespread recognition and substantial financial rewards. The Pakistani government honoured him with the Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz awards, while prizes and other rewards transformed his financial fortunes. But injuries have since disrupted his progress, with elbow, knee and shoulder problems affecting his ability to compete consistently, Bukhari said. Arshad’s recent results have fallen short of the standards he set in Paris. He finished ninth at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, fifth at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest with 81.49 metres, and fourth at the Asian Games in Japan after managing 80.29 metres. Injuries also forced him to withdraw from several competitions, including the 54th National Athletics Championships in Karachi. Bukhari said Arshad should receive access to state-of-the-art training facilities and expert support to help him manage his injuries and regain his competitive edge. He said he was very hopeful that Arshad could work hard and win more honours for Pakistan, adding that it would be a great tragedy if he were forced to retire at this age. With the right approach, Arshad could continue competing at the highest level for another five years, Bukhari added. He also urged the Olympic champion to stay away from politics within the sporting establishment and avoid becoming a pawn in battles driven by competing interests. Financial rewards have their place, but achievements in sport are the greatest wealth, Bukhari said. People close to Arshad said the athlete needed to maintain a positive attitude and avoid arrogance, adding that humility and discipline would be important to achieving better results. Analysts say Arshad’s recent difficulties reflect not only one athlete’s injury problems but also broader gaps in Pakistan’s sports system, including training infrastructure, sports medicine and long-term athlete support. Modern javelin training requires video analysis, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, speed development and careful monitoring of throwing technique and workload. For an experienced athlete like Arshad, the priority is not a complete overhaul of technique but a gradual return to loading, correction of specific weaknesses and adequate recovery before competitions. Injury management must combine physiotherapy, sports medicine, nutrition, sleep, recovery and psychological support. Elbow, shoulder and knee problems can be interconnected, so increasing training intensity after a single symptom improves is risky. Arshad needs a medical and coaching team that assesses his condition before and after competitions and adjusts his training plan accordingly. The competition calendar must also be realistic. A crowded schedule increases injury risk and reduces performance. A targeted calendar with sufficient preparation and rest before major events is essential. Administrative support also requires consistency. Coordination among WAPDA, the national federation, government bodies and sponsors is necessary so that the athlete is not forced to adapt repeatedly to new situations. Arshad’s success has created a major opportunity for Pakistan’s sports system. To turn it into a long-term plan, grassroots javelin training, coach education and talent identification must be strengthened. Arshad should also be protected from politics and personal interests. If an athlete’s attention is divided by administrative disputes and statements, training and competition preparation suffer. Financial rewards and popularity are recognition, but they should not become a substitute for sporting achievement. Arshad should maintain humility, discipline and professionalism while focusing on managing his body and time. A comeback will not be easy, because rivals are stronger and his body is not the same as before. But experience, talent and memories of performing on the biggest stage can help him. In Bukhari’s words, if Arshad receives modern training, proper medical care and organised preparation, he can again create proud moments for Pakistan. For Pakistan’s sports fans, the expectation is clear: give Arshad Nadeem time, support and a healthy environment so that the historic success in Paris becomes not merely a memory but an inspiration for the future.