Arshad Nadeem Faces Pakistan Sports Board Row Over South Africa Training Trip Without NOC

Lahore, Aug 26: Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is currently facing a controversy with Pakistan's sports governing body, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The issue has arisen due to Nadeem's recent trip to South Africa for training under his former coach, Terseus Liebenberg, for upcoming international competitions.

The Sports Board has accused Nadeem of traveling abroad without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them. The controversy has also questioned the management and coordination of the country's top athlete with the PSB. According to an official source in the PSB, Nadeem did not inform them about his travel plans before leaving for South Africa.

The official added that the absence of an NOC may impact Nadeem's future travel plans if he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation. Nadeem bypassed regular training in Lahore due to criticism of his performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, leading to his decision to travel to South Africa. He will now focus on the World Ultimate Athletics Championship in Hungary from September 11-13, followed by the Asian Games in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has been largely absent in Nadeem's management since his Olympic gold medal win in 2024, with the PSB and coach Salman Butt taking charge of his affairs. Liebenberg, who has been working with Nadeem in South Africa, expressed confidence in Nadeem's potential to regain his best form.