The ongoing rift between Arshad Nadeem’s coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, and the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has deepened following Nadeem’s disappointing performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. What began as a post-event inquiry has now evolved into a heated debate over the federation’s role in supporting Pakistan’s top athlete.
Nadeem, who finished ninth in Tokyo, was asked by the AFP to explain the decline in form that contrasted sharply with his previous international successes. In response, his coach submitted a detailed letter refuting all claims of negligence, asserting that the federation itself had withdrawn support and involvement in Nadeem’s training over the past year.
Salman Iqbal Butt emphasized that he has been working with the Olympic champion since 2021, overseeing his historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics and a series of medals — including four golds and one silver — from 2022 to 2025. He maintained that athletic performance naturally fluctuates, but institutional backing plays a decisive role in sustaining elite-level consistency.
“No athlete can remain at their peak throughout their career,” Butt wrote, reaffirming his loyalty to Nadeem and commitment to continue coaching him “as long as the athlete wishes.”
The coach further dismissed AFP’s claims that he had refused to share training details, calling the accusations “baseless and misleading.” Instead, he revealed that Nadeem’s international training was primarily privately funded by a close friend, as the federation failed to provide necessary financial or logistical assistance.
Butt also disclosed that Nadeem’s leg injury in July severely impacted his preparation for the championship. The athlete underwent surgery in England, followed by three weeks of rehabilitation in London. When he arrived in Tokyo, the humid weather and hard track surface worsened his post-surgery discomfort, affecting his overall performance.
Despite the setback, Butt urged for unity within Pakistan’s sporting community, stressing that accountability must be collective: “When we celebrate victories together, we must also share responsibility for defeats.”
Arshad Nadeem’s underperformance in Tokyo stands in contrast to his remarkable journey over the past few years, during which he became Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medalist in track and field. His coach’s remarks now highlight a broader issue — the lack of consistent institutional support that continues to hinder Pakistan’s sports development at the global level.
