AFP receives the green signal for Arshad’s training in South Africa

KARACHI: The Pakistani Athletics Federation (AFP) confirmed on Wednesday that it had received the green signal from South Africa to send the country’s leading javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, to practice ahead of next year’s important duties.

“Yes, they told us we should send Arshad to training,” AFP chief retired Major General Mohammad Akram Sahi told The News.

“We have written to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and we hope the government will give its full support,” said Sahi.

“It is a national matter and we will do everything we can to implement the plans. We are sending another javelin thrower Mohammad Yasir with Arshad and I hope that things will be done as soon as possible, ”said Sahi, also a former international athlete.

In the meantime, Arshad has decided to resume training on his own for the next few days. “I have decided to resume my training here with Mian Channu in the next four days,” said Arshad on Wednesday to “The News”.

“I’m moving to my new house in Mian Channu in three to four days. I plan to train there on a solid basis. There’s a cricket pitch there where I can train, ”said Arshad, also a bronze medalist at the 2018 Asian Games.

Arshad lived in a village in Mian Channu, but after finishing fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, he got enough money to buy a house in the city.

He is also supported by a few people with the training equipment. “Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa gave me a set for strength training, while Maulana Tariq Jamil Sahib gave me a running machine. I will be setting up a small gym in my new home that I will benefit from during my workout, ”said Arshad.

Before the Olympics, Arshad had cement blocks in his house that he used for weight training.

Arshad faces some difficult events over the next year, including the World Cup in the US in July, the Commonwealth Games being hosted by England in Birmingham from July 28th to August 8th, and the Asian Games being held in China in September will .

Although Arshad rested for about two and a half months, he says he has not gained weight and is fit. “I’m fit, no problem,” said Arshad.

He said he recently met retired AFP chief Akram Sahi, who told him that efforts were being made to send him overseas.

“I recently met with General Sahib at a sporting event in Bahawalpur and he told me I was going to be sent to South Africa for training,” said Arshad.

“The next year is very important for me. I will inshaAllah not disappoint the nation in the future and achieve my goals, ”said Arshad, whose best throw is 86.38 meters, which he achieved in an international match in Iran last April.

Arshad is accompanied during training by his younger brother Mohammad Aleem, who is also a javelin thrower. “Yes, Aleem will train with me. He is a good size and is division champion. His best throw is 60 meters. I hope he will improve as he has the courage and passion to grow as a javelin thrower, ”said Arshad.

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