Arshad Nadeem to skip Diamond League for South Africa training after Glasgow debacle

Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem (right) trains with coach Salman Butt at Punjab Stadium in Lahore on August 12, 2026. — Reporter Nadeem currently training at Punjab Stadium. Athlete named for Lausanne Diamond League. Nadeem to travel to SA after receiving visa. Pakistan's star javelin thrower and Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem decided to miss the Lausanne Diamond League as he will go to South Africa for a training stint. Nadeem is currently undergoing intensive training at Punjab Stadium in Lahore. According to sources, the Olympic champion has decided to focus on overseas training following the Commonwealth Games rather than competing at the Lausanne event. Nadeem's name was initially included in the entry list for the Lausanne Diamond League, scheduled for August 21. However, he will now miss the competition and travel to South Africa for a training camp. The 28-year-old will train in Potchefstroom for two weeks, a venue where he has previously completed two training stints. Following his training camp, Nadeem is expected to compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, scheduled to take place in Budapest from September 6 to 14. He will then participate in the Asian Games. Nadeem will travel to South Africa on the first available flight once he receives his visa. Meanwhile, at the recently concluded Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Nadeem finished ninth in the men's javelin throw final with a best throw of 77.41 metres. Entering the competition as the defending champion, he was eliminated after the first three rounds of the final, failing to secure a place in the top eight.