Stage set for Neeraj-Nadeem duel

India’s Neeraj qualifies for World C’ships finals with first throw, sets up clash against Pakistan’s Nadeem

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Defending champion Neeraj Chopra will face Pakistan's Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem in the World Championships finals ina much-anticipated clash between the two cross-border rivals as the duo made the cut in contrasting styles in the qualification round here Wednesday.

While Chopra stormed into the finals after clearing the automatic qualification mark of 84.50m in his very first throw in Group A, Nadeem (85.28m) spent some anxious time before making the grade in his third and final attempt later in Group B.

‘According to rules, those who touch the automatic qualifying mark of 84.50m or the best 12 finishers compete in the final round to be held Thursday.

The Pakistani has come into the showpiece after competing in just one event in the whole of 2025, winning gold in the Asian Championships in Korea in May. He then underwent a knee surgery in July.

Sachin Yadav also joined Chopra in the finals as second Indian after his 83.67m effort placed him at sixth in Group A and 10th overall. Two other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh missed out after finishing 28th and 30th respectively out of 37 competitors in Group A and Group B together.