Arshad needs a fresh start

Talking exclusively to Daily Express Bukhari expressed disappointment over Arshad’s recent results but said he remained confident the athlete could win further honours for Pakistan with the right preparation and guidance. “Arshad is blessed with extraordinary talent,” said Bukhari, who serve as WAPDA coach.

“His injuries have affected his performance, but with the right attention and training in line with modern requirements, he can overcome these difficulties and return to winning ways.”Born on January 2, 1997, in a village in Mian Channu, in Punjab province’s Khanewal district, Arshad initially played cricket, football and kabaddi.

“His height, strength and natural athletic ability made him well suited to sporting competition, Bukhari said. Arshad came to WAPDA seeking employment and better financial prospects. Recognising his potential, Bukhari guided him towards javelin and worked to develop his technique and competitive ability.

Arshad responded with determination, gradually establishing himself as one of Pakistan’s leading athletes. He won bronze at the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati, India, with a throw of 55.33 metres, a result that strengthened his confidence and encouraged him to work harder.

His progress continued at the Asian Athletics Championships the following year. At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, he threw 80.75 metres to win bronze. Arshad subsequently became the first Pakistani athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, where he finished fifth with a throw of 84.62 metres, raising hopes of a breakthrough on the world stage.

He delivered that breakthrough at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, throwing 90.18 metres to win gold and becoming the first Asian athlete to cross the 90-metre mark at the event. His greatest achievement came at the Paris Olympics in 2024, 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 medal. Arshad’s triumph brought him 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 and other rewards transformed his financial fortunes.

“But 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 established in Paris.

He finished ninth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, fifth at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest with a throw of 81.49 metres, and fourth at the 2026 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. “I am very hopeful that Arshad can work hard and win more honours for Pakistan,” he said.

“It would be a great tragedy if he were forced to retire at this age.”With the right approach, Arshad could continue competing at the highest level for another five years, Bukhari added. He 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.

“Financial rewards have their place, but achievements in sport are the greatest wealth,” Bukhari said. People close to Arshad, meanwhile, said the athlete needed to maintain a positive attitude and avoid arrogance, adding that humility and discipline would be important to achieving better results.