Coach Bukhari Calls for Modern Training and Injury Management to Revive Arshad Nadeem’s Form

Pakistan’s senior javelin coach Fayyaz Hussain Bukhari has urged Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem to embrace modern training, proper injury management and renewed focus on athletics if he is to regain his best form. In an exclusive interview with Daily Express, Bukhari said Arshad possesses exceptional natural talent but has struggled with consistency because of a series of injuries. He described the recent results as disappointing but insisted the athlete can still win more honours for Pakistan with the right preparation and guidance. Bukhari, who works as a WAPDA coach and played a key role in Arshad’s early development, recalled that the athlete first came to WAPDA seeking employment and better financial prospects. Recognising his height, strength and natural athletic ability, Bukhari guided him towards javelin and helped develop his technique and competitive ability. Arshad responded with determination and gradually established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading athletes. Born on January 2, 2026, in a village in Mian Channu, in Punjab province’s Khanewal district, Arshad initially played cricket, football and kabaddi. His early sporting background, combined with his physical attributes, convinced Bukhari that he had the potential to excel in athletics. Arshad won bronze at the 2026 South Asian Games in Guwahati with a throw of 55.33 metres, a result that strengthened his confidence. He continued to progress at the Asian Athletics Championships and then won bronze at the 2026 Asian Games in Jakarta with a throw of 80.75 metres. Arshad subsequently became the first Pakistani athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, where he finished fifth with a throw of 84.62 metres. That performance raised hopes of a major breakthrough, which came at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. He threw 90.18 metres to win gold and became 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 a series of prizes transformed his financial fortunes. However, 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 a throw of 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 recently held 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 argued that financial rewards have their place, but achievements in sport remain the greatest wealth. He expressed hope that Arshad can work hard and win more honours for Pakistan, adding that it would be a great tragedy if the athlete were forced to retire at this age. With the right approach, Bukhari believes Arshad could continue competing at the highest level for another five years. The coach 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. People close to Arshad said the athlete needs to maintain a positive attitude and avoid arrogance, stressing that humility and discipline will be important to achieving better results. The case, according to analysts, highlights the need for a professional support system around Pakistan’s top athletes, including modern training, sports science, physiotherapy, nutrition and psychological support. Arshad’s talent is undeniable, but his future depends on how carefully his workload, recovery and competitive schedule are managed.