Pakistan Athletics Federation Hands Lifetime Ban To Arshad Nadeem’s Coach For…

Arshad Nadeem with the Olympic gold medal (PTI)

Salman Iqbal, the long-serving coach of Pakistan’s top athlete Arshad Nadeem, was banned for life on Sunday by the country’s Athletics Federation for violating the constitution of the Punjab Athletics Association, where he holds the position of President.

Under the life ban, Iqbal is prohibited from participating in any athletics activities, coaching, or holding any office at any level.

The Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) accused Iqbal of committing violations by holding elections for the Punjab body back in August.

An inquiry committee was formed in mid-September, recommending the ban on Iqbal on October 10, a day after he responded to the PSB.

The decision seems to be linked to Iqbal’s recent direct reply to the state-run Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) when they asked him to explain Nadeem’s poor performance at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo. The PSB also requested details about the expenses incurred on the javelin thrower’s training and travel.

Iqbal, who has been Arshad’s mentor and coach for the past few years, surprised everyone by revealing that the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation had disassociated itself from anything related to Nadeem for the last year or so.

“Arshad’s performance was hampered by the surgery he underwent for his calf muscle problem and in Tokyo the track was hard and the weather hot and humid and this affected performances of many athletes in different events,” Iqbal said in his reply to PSB.

Iqbal apparently caused further controversy by stating in his response that he had to seek financial assistance from a friend to ensure Pakistan’s top athlete could train in South Africa, as well as help him complete his rehabilitation after sustaining a calf muscle injury.

What About Nadeem?

In addition to his international achievements, Nadeem also easily secured the Javelin gold at the Asian Athletics Championships this year.

His rivalry with India’s Neeraj Chopra has significantly increased the profile and interest in athletics in both countries. Incidentally, Chopra also had a below-average performance in Tokyo during the World Championships.

(With inputs from PTI)