LAHORE: Pakistan’s Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem says he is fully prepared to defend his Commonwealth Games title and is determined to recreate the success that made him one of the country’s greatest athletes.

Nadeem, who won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a Games record performance, said he feels as well prepared as he did during his title-winning campaign four years ago.

Speaking to the media after his final training session at Punjab Stadium in Lahore, the star javelin thrower said preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games have gone according to plan.

“I’ve had excellent preparation for the Commonwealth Games. Before every major competition, I participate in an international event to assess my strength and overall readiness,” he said.

As part of those preparations, Arshad Nadeem is scheduled to depart for Switzerland to compete in an international athletics event before the Commonwealth Games.

The Olympic champion said the memories of his historic performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games remain fresh in his mind.

“I still remember breaking the Commonwealth Games record in 2022. I feel I am in a similar position now. Four years have passed, and there is naturally pressure because I have been the defending champion all this time. Now I want to achieve something special again,” he said.

Nadeem added that throughout his career, his biggest competition has always been with himself rather than with other athletes.

“My main challenge has always been to improve myself. I want to perform even better this time,” he said.

He acknowledged that the competition will be tougher, noting that Sri Lanka’s javelin thrower has also produced impressive performances in recent competitions.

“There will be strong competition, but I have prepared well for it,” he added.

The Pakistani athlete admitted that performing on the biggest stage always brings pressure but emphasized that handling that pressure is a key part of success.

“There is always pressure when you step into the field. The important thing is to control it. I know how important the Commonwealth Games title is for my career,” he said.

Arshad Nadeem also reflected on another milestone in his career, saying he was the first Pakistani track and field athlete to qualify directly for the Olympic Games, a moment he described as a source of immense pride.

He concluded by requesting prayers from his supporters.

“I ask my fans to pray that Allah keeps me healthy and allows me to continue producing the kind of throws I have delivered throughout my career,” he said.

Arshad Nadeem’s achievements have transformed athletics in Pakistan, and expectations are once again high as he prepares to defend his Commonwealth Games crown while building on his Olympic success.