The Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most exciting storylines in world athletics. While Indian javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra holds a 9–1 lead in head-to-head meetings, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem boasts the superior personal best throw with his Olympic-record 92.97m.
For decades, sporting contests between India and Pakistan have captivated fans—mostly in cricket and hockey. In athletics, such high-profile duels have been rare, with the most famous being Milkha Singh vs Abdul Khaliq in the 1960s. Today, Chopra vs Nadeem is breathing new life into this cross-border rivalry.
Neeraj Chopra: India’s Golden Boy of Athletics
Neeraj Chopra has achieved what few athletes dream of—winning Olympic, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Diamond League titles. His consistent performances have made him a household name and put Indian athletics firmly on the global map.
Chopra’s personal best is 90.23m, thrown at the 2025 Doha Diamond League, which also stands as the Indian national record.
Arshad Nadeem: Pakistan’s Record-Breaking Champion
On his day, Arshad Nadeem can outthrow anyone in the world. His crowning moment came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he won gold with a monstrous 92.97m throw—an Olympic and Asian record. That throw was 3.52m farther than Chopra’s silver-winning effort, making Nadeem Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic champion.
Nadeem’s rise also includes winning Commonwealth Games 2022 gold with a 90.18m throw, ending Pakistan’s 60-year gold medal drought at the event. He remains the only Pakistani athlete to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships.
Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem: Head-to-Head Record
The two have faced off 10 times internationally—eight at senior level and twice as juniors. Chopra won the first meeting at the 2016 South Asian Games, and currently leads 9–1.
| Event | Neeraj Chopra | Arshad Nadeem |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian Games 2016, Guwahati | 1st (82.23m) | 3rd (78.33m) |
| Asian Junior Championships 2016, Ho Chi Minh | 2nd (77.60m) | 3rd (73.40m) |
| World U20 Championships 2016, Bydgoszcz | 1st (86.48m) | 30th (67.17m) |
| Asian Athletics Championships 2017, Bhubaneswar | 1st (85.23m) | 7th (78.00m) |
| Commonwealth Games 2018, Gold Coast | 1st (86.47m) | 8th (76.02m) |
| Asian Games 2018, Jakarta | 1st (88.06m) | 3rd (80.75m) |
| Tokyo 2020 Olympics | 1st (87.58m) | 5th (84.62m) |
| World Championships 2022, Oregon | 2nd (88.13m) | 5th (86.16m) |
| World Championships 2023, Budapest | 1st (88.17m) | 2nd (87.82m) |
| Paris 2024 Olympics | 2nd (89.45m) | 1st (92.97m) |
Personal Best Throws
| Athlete | Personal Best | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Neeraj Chopra | 90.23m | Doha Diamond League 2025 |
| Arshad Nadeem | 92.97m | Paris 2024 Olympics |
A Rivalry Built on Respect
While they are fierce competitors, Chopra and Nadeem share a genuine friendship. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Chopra defended Nadeem against false allegations regarding his use of Chopra’s javelin during warm-ups, calling it “within the rules” and urging people not to politicize the issue.
Their camaraderie has been visible at multiple events, including the 2023 World Championships, where Chopra invited Nadeem for a joint photo despite just defeating him. These moments have sent a strong message of sportsmanship and unity.
Major Achievements
Neeraj Chopra
- Gold – Tokyo 2020 Olympics
- Silver – Paris 2024 Olympics
- Gold – World Championships 2023, Budapest
- Silver – World Championships 2022, Oregon
- Gold – Asian Games 2018 & 2023
- Gold – Commonwealth Games 2018
- Gold – Asian Championships 2017
- Gold – World Junior Championships 2016 (U20 world record)
- National record holder (90.23m, 2025 Doha Diamond League)
Arshad Nadeem
- Gold – Paris 2024 Olympics (Olympic & Asian record: 92.97m)
- Silver – World Championships 2023, Budapest
- Gold – Commonwealth Games 2022
- Bronze – Asian Games 2018
- Gold – South Asian Games 2017 & 2019
- National record holder (92.97m)
Final Word
The Neeraj Chopra vs Arshad Nadeem rivalry has already given athletics fans unforgettable moments and is set to grow in the years ahead. With both athletes capable of breaking the world record in javelin throw, every meeting between them is now a must-watch for sports lovers across the globe.