India, Sept. 19 -- It was supposed to be an India vs Pakistan showdown on Thursday, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Neeraj Chopra was up against Arshad Nadeem for the first time since Paris 2024, when the Pakistan ace broke the Olympic javelin throw record. Arshad is the reigning Olympic champion, taking the crown from Neeraj.

But both faltered as Neeraj finished in eighth spot and Arshad came 10th. Arshad had a foul throw after the first round of elimination and didn't reach the next round. He registered a best throw of 82.75m, which he bagged in his third attempt. He started with 82.73m, and then fouled, while his third throw wasn't enough to keep him in contention for a medal.

Disappointed after his defeat, Arshad took...