Arshad Nadeem’s Troubles Grow: Pakistan Sports Board Raises Questions Over South Africa Training Trip

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is once again in the spotlight, but this time not because of his performance on the field. The Olympic champion has reportedly become involved in a dispute with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) over his recent trip to South Africa for training.

Arshad is currently training in South Africa with his former coach Terseus Liebenberg as he looks to regain his form ahead of major international competitions. However, according to reports, the Pakistan Sports Board claims that Arshad travelled abroad without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Arshad Nadeem Allegedly Travelled Without NOC

The controversy revolves around Arshad’s decision to travel to South Africa for a training camp.

According to a Pakistan Sports Board official, the board was not informed about the trip beforehand and Arshad had not obtained the necessary NOC before leaving the country.

Under Pakistan’s sports administration procedures, athletes travelling abroad for training or competitions are generally required to obtain the necessary approvals.

The board has reportedly sought an explanation from Arshad over the matter.

Future Overseas Trips Could Be Affected

The controversy could become more serious if Arshad fails to provide a satisfactory explanation.

A Pakistan Sports Board official has indicated that the issue could potentially affect Arshad’s future overseas travel arrangements.

This could become significant for the Olympic champion because international training camps and competitions are an important part of his preparation for upcoming events.

However, no final ban or disciplinary action has reportedly been announced so far.

Why Did Arshad Go To South Africa?

Arshad travelled to South Africa primarily to work with his former coach Terseus Liebenberg.

The move comes after a disappointing performance at the recent Commonwealth Games, where Arshad struggled to reproduce the form that made him an Olympic champion.

Training with Liebenberg is seen as an attempt to improve his technique, fitness and overall preparation before his next major competitions.

Disappointing Commonwealth Games Performance

Arshad’s recent performance has also raised questions about his form.

At the 2026 Commonwealth Games, he managed a best throw of 77.41 metres and finished ninth in the men’s javelin final.

The result was particularly disappointing because Arshad had entered the competition as the defending Commonwealth champion.

His performance was a major contrast to his historic showing at the Paris Olympics, where he produced a massive 92.97-metre throw to win the gold medal and set an Olympic record.

Trying To Regain His Old Form

Following his disappointing Commonwealth Games campaign, Arshad decided to change his training approach.

Instead of continuing his preparations in Lahore, he travelled to South Africa to train under Liebenberg, with whom he has worked previously.

His coaching team reportedly believes that the training stint can help him regain his rhythm and return to the level that made him one of the world's leading javelin throwers.

Major Competitions Ahead

Arshad now has several important competitions ahead of him.

His preparation is focused on upcoming international events, including the World Athletics Ultimate Championship and the Asian Games in Japan.

That makes the current dispute particularly important. Any restrictions on international travel could potentially complicate his preparation schedule.

Pakistan’s Olympic Hero Now Facing Off-Field Questions

Arshad Nadeem became a national sporting icon after his historic Olympic gold medal.

His rivalry with India’s Neeraj Chopra has also become one of the biggest storylines in world javelin. Their battles have attracted huge attention across South Asia and around the world.

But Arshad now has challenges away from the throwing circle as well.

On one side, he is trying to rebuild his form after a disappointing Commonwealth Games campaign. On the other, he is facing questions from Pakistan’s sports authorities over his South Africa training trip.

What Happens Next?

The immediate question is whether Arshad will be able to resolve the NOC issue without it affecting his international schedule.

For now, the controversy remains a matter between the athlete and Pakistan’s sports authorities, and the final outcome will depend on the explanation and further action, if any, by the Pakistan Sports Board.

Arshad went to South Africa to get back to his best—but now a paperwork dispute with Pakistan’s sports authorities has created a new challenge before his next big competitions.