Arshad Nadeem in dispute with Pakistan Sports Board over South Africa training trip

Arshad Nadeem, the Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower, is in a dispute with Pakistan sports authorities after travelling to South Africa last week to train under his former coach Terseus Liebenberg ahead of two major international competitions next month. Pakistan Sports Board officials have accused him of leaving without the required No Objection Certificate (NOC), triggering the row.

The trip followed criticism of Arshad's recent showing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a decision to forgo training in Lahore. The Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has had little involvement in his management since he won the Olympic gold medal in 2024. Instead, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and coach Salman Butt have been overseeing his affairs. The timing and handling of the South Africa trip have prompted scrutiny of how his training and travel are coordinated.

An official source at the PSB said Arshad did not inform officials before departing for South Africa and noted that government regulations require athletes to obtain NOCs from their respective federations and the PSB prior to travelling abroad for competitions or training. "Yes, he has not told anyone and it is officially recorded he didn't obtain any NOC from us. This might affect his future travel plans if he doesn't have a proper explanation," the official said. The PSB stance centres on that asserted lapse in formal clearance.

Arshad is working with Liebenberg in South Africa as part of his preparations. He left Lahore for the training stint after facing criticism over his Commonwealth Games performance. When contacted, Liebenberg said he was confident that Nadeem can 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.

The arrangement in which the PSB and coach Salman Butt manage Arshad's affairs, with limited AFP involvement, has been brought into focus by the current dispute. Officials and observers have questioned how travel approvals and athlete management are being handled under that setup. The NOC allegation has therefore raised broader questions about administrative responsibility for the country's top thrower.

Arshad is due to compete at the World Ultimate Athletics Championship in Hungary from September 11-13 and then travel to Japan for the Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.