Pakistan’s second-best javelin thrower, Mohammad Yasir Sultan, is intensively training at Punjab Stadium with the goal of securing a spot in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. Although Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s premier javelin thrower, won a Silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championship, his career has been hindered by a shoulder injury, even though he has already qualified for the 2024 Olympics.
Yasir Sultan, an Asian Games Bronze medalist, expressed his determination, stating, “Yes, I have started training and am completely focused on the target to press for the Olympics seat.” The qualification deadline for the Olympics is June 30, 2024, and Sultan aims to achieve a throw of 85.50 meters for qualification.
Having previously accomplished a throw of 79.93 meters, Sultan is confident in his abilities, stating, “I am extra serious and Insha Allah will achieve the target.” He is currently undergoing rigorous training with two sessions per day – morning sessions at the PSB Coaching Centre from 7 am to 9 am and evening workouts at the Punjab Stadium under coach Fayyaz Hussain Bukhari, who previously coached Arshad Nadeem for eight years.
Despite his dedication, Sultan faces challenges, as he resides alone in the PSB Coaching Center and bears the cost of his daily diet, amounting to around Rs. 2000. His monthly salary of Rs. 50,000 adds financial strain to his pursuit of Olympic qualification.
Coach Fayyaz Bukhari affirmed Yasir’s commitment, stating, “Yes, he is very serious, and we aim to qualify for the Olympics. It is also my personal desire that another Pakistani athlete should qualify for the Olympics.” With the Olympics qualification journey ahead, Yasir Sultan’s determination, coupled with his coach’s support, showcases the resilience of Pakistan’s athletics on the global stage.
