• Source:JND
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India's star javelin thrower and Olympic gold medalist, Neeraj Chopra will aim to defend his gold medal and conclude the season on a high note when he competes in the men's javelin throw event at the Asian Games. Chopra's closest competitor, world silver medalist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, has withdrawn from the Games due to a chronic knee injury, making Chopra the favorite to secure another gold medal.

Chopra has consistently outperformed Nadeem in their head-to-head competitions, winning all nine encounters between them. This includes their meeting at the 2018 Asian Games, where Chopra claimed the gold while Nadeem finished in third place. With Nadeem's absence, Chopra is expected to have a smooth path to victory at the Asian Games.

"After consulting the medical personnel, Mr. Arshad Nadeem has now decided not to participate in the Asian Games in order to prevent any untoward situation that may hinder his training program and participation in the Paris 2024," Pakistan contingent issued a press release.

"The Chief Medical Officer (Dr Asad Abbas) of the Pakistan Contingent recommended a comprehensive check-up. Mr. Arshad Nadeem underwent a thorough medical examination, including a non-invasive test i.e. MRI at a local hospital here in Hangzhou. The MRI revealed a chronic injury which he has been carrying."

In the past, Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan has occasionally bested Neeraj Chopra in the race to reach the 90m mark in javelin throw competitions. However, Chopra, the Indian Olympic champion, has consistently emerged victorious in their head-to-head encounters in various events.

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Their rivalry dates back to the 2016 South Asian Games, where Nadeem won a bronze, and Chopra began his streak of victories over him. In subsequent competitions, including the 2018 Asian Games (where Chopra won gold and Nadeem finished third) and the 2018 Commonwealth Games (where Chopra secured gold and Nadeem came in eighth), Chopra continued to outperform his Pakistani counterpart.

Their most recent meetings include the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (where Chopra claimed gold and Nadeem finished fifth) and the 2022 World Championships (where Chopra won silver and Nadeem was fifth). Despite battling a persistent groin strain that he sustained in late May, Chopra fulfilled his dream of becoming the world champion this season.

Although concerns have arisen following back-to-back second-place finishes in the Zurich Diamond League and the DL grand finale in Eugene, USA, Chopra remains the firm favorite at the 'Big Lotus' stadium for the Asian Games.