Pakistan has officially announced its five-member contingent for the 2025 Asian Athletics Championship, set to take place in Gumi, South Korea, from May 27 to 31. With a carefully selected mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, this lineup signals Pakistan’s serious intent to make a mark in the prestigious continental event.
Arshad Nadeem Returns to Action, Eyes Another Gold
At the forefront of the squad is none other than Arshad Nadeem, the Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, who continues to be the face of Pakistan’s athletics renaissance. He will be competing in the javelin throw, an event in which he has already brought home international accolades and widespread national pride.
This competition marks Arshad’s first major international appearance since his historic gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, and expectations are sky-high. His return is not just symbolic—it’s a message to the world that Pakistan is ready to dominate field events once again.
Rising Star Yasir Sultan Joins Arshad in Javelin Throw
Yasir Sultan, an emerging name in javelin throwing, will accompany Arshad in the same category. Known for his rapid development and powerful technique, Yasir is expected to gain valuable experience and possibly surprise a few seasoned competitors.
This dual representation in the javelin event provides Pakistan with a real opportunity to bag multiple medals in a single discipline—a rare feat for the country in international athletics.
Shajar Abbas and Mueed Baloch Set to Sprint for Glory
On the track side, Shajar Abbas and Mueed Baloch will compete in the men’s 400m sprint. Shajar, often hailed as Pakistan’s fastest man, has been showing consistent improvements and is determined to challenge the continent’s top sprinters.
Mueed, known for his stamina and pace, adds depth and strength to the sprinting team. Both athletes have been training intensively and are aiming for strong finishes that could translate into medals or at least national records.
Tameen Khan: Breaking Barriers in Women’s Athletics
Making her debut in the continental event is Tameen Khan, the sole female athlete in Pakistan’s squad. She will represent the country in the women’s 100m sprint, a highly competitive event. Her selection is not just a testament to her talent but also a reflection of the growing momentum for female athletes in Pakistan.
The inclusion of Tameen Khan is a proud moment for Pakistan Athletics, emphasizing gender inclusivity and the increasing support for women in sports. The federation has expressed full confidence in her potential to deliver a breakthrough performance.
Federation Optimistic About Medal Prospects
The Pakistan Athletics Federation has made it clear that this squad has not been chosen merely for participation, but for competing with purpose. With high-performance training camps and international exposure leading up to the event, the athletes are mentally and physically prepared.
Historically, Pakistan has won eight medals at the Asian Athletics Championships: 2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze. With the new squad and especially with athletes like Arshad Nadeem and Shajar Abbas in prime form, there’s renewed optimism about adding more to that tally.
Asian Athletics Championship: A Look at the Big Picture
The Asian Athletics Championship is Asia’s premier track and field event, attracting the best talent from across the continent. Currently, China dominates the medal table, followed by Japan, but Pakistan’s focused and skillful team could very well upset the hierarchy.
Events like this not only provide a platform for individual excellence but also serve as a stepping stone towards global competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Pakistan’s Athletics Future
The Pakistan squad for Asian Athletics Championship 2025 is a perfect blend of experience, ambition, and youthful energy. With Arshad Nadeem leading from the front, supported by Shajar Abbas, Mueed Baloch, Yasir Sultan, and Tameen Khan, the nation has plenty of reasons to hope for a successful campaign in South Korea.
This championship could be a turning point—not just in terms of medals, but in setting a new standard for Pakistan’s presence in international athletics.