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Arshad Nadeem faces controversy after training in South Africa without NOCs, raising questions about coordination with Pakistan sports authorities.
Arshad Nadeem blames Glasgow weather for poor show in CWG 2026. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Paris Olympics gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has landed himself in a fresh controversy with Pakistan’s sports authorities after he reportedly travelled to South Africa to train without obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificates from the concerned authorities.
Arshad, who travelled to South Africa last week to train with his former coach Terseus Liebenberg ahead of two major international events in September, has been accused of leaving the nation without obtaining the required NOC from the Pakistan Sports Board.
The development has also raised questions over the arrangements surrounding the nation’s top athlete and his coordination with the sports authorities.
As per a PTI report, Arshad didn’t inform officials before travelling to South Africa. The report said that government regulations require athletes to obtain NOCs from their respective federations and, more importantly, the PSB before travelling abroad for competitions or training.
“Yes, he hasn’t told anyone and it’s officially recorded he did not obtain any NOC from us. This might affect his future travel plans if he does not have a proper explanation,” the official said while speaking to PTI.
Arshad decided to skip training in Lahore and travel to South Africa after facing criticism over his recent performance in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Arshad is training under Liebenberg ahead of the World Ultimate Athletics Championship in Hungary, scheduled from September 11 to 13. He will then travel to Japan for the Asian Games, which will be held from September 19 to October 4.
The Athletics Federation of Pakistan has had limited involvement in Arshad’s management since his Olympic gold medal win in 2024, with the PSB and coach Salman Butt overseeing his affairs.
When contacted, Liebenberg, who has been working with Arshad in South Africa, said that he was confident that Nadeem could rediscover his best form.
“All I know is that he persevered for many years to become Pakistan’s first-ever individual Olympic champion,” Liebenberg said while speaking to PTI.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Arshad Nadeem is expected to compete in the World Ultimate Athletics Championship in Hungary from September 11 to 13, and then in the Asian Games in Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
Ask News18August 26, 2026, 6:43 PM IST
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