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Pakistan’s Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem has blamed the cold Glasgow weather for his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games. The defending champion finished ninth after failing to make the final three rounds, saying the low temperature made his body stiff and affected his usually smooth run-up.Nadeem managed 77.41 metres with his second throw after opening with a foul. His third attempt was 75.39m, leaving him outside the top eight.“The weather was extremely cold and I personally felt that it affected my body. As you have seen in many of my previous competitions, my run-up is usually very smooth, but this time it wasn’t… because my body had become stiff due to the cold conditions. My fitness was good and my health was fine, but ultimately whatever Allah wills is what happens,” he told reporters on Wednesday.Despite the result, Nadeem said he remains determined to make a strong comeback and urged fans to continue supporting him.“Please don’t lose heart and don’t stop supporting me either. Whatever I have achieved has only been possible because Allah blessed me with the opportunity to do it. The respect and recognition Pakistan has received around the world have come through years of hard work. I worked tirelessly while staying in Pakistan,” he added.“God willing, I will prepare with full dedication for the upcoming competitions and once again raise Pakistan’s flag on the international stage.”Nadeem also responded to criticism on social media, saying he understood the disappointment among Pakistani fans.“I have heard many things on social media, but I want everyone to remember that I am Pakistan’s son, and I always will be,” he maintained.
Lausanne Diamond League next
Nadeem’s next challenge will be the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland on August 21. He will face a strong field that includes India’s Neeraj Chopra, Commonwealth champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, Keshorn Walcott, Anderson Peters and Thomas Rohler.Nadeem will hope to regain his form before the Asian Games later this year.
