Pakistan’s preparations for the 2025 World Athletics Championships have been dealt another major setback, with sprinter Tameen Khan ruled out just days before the team was set to leave for Tokyo.
The 100m specialist suffered an injury during a training session last week and has been advised at least two weeks of rest, effectively ending her chances of competing at this year’s competition, journalist Faizan Lakhani reported. Tameen was slated to depart for Tokyo on September 9.
Rising Star’s Momentum Stalled
The news is a bitter disappointment for both Tameen and Pakistan’s athletics contingent. The Peshawar-born sprinter has been one of the country’s standout athletes in recent years, twice earning the title of Pakistan’s fastest woman. Earlier this year, she had spoken about her determination to test herself against the world’s best—a dream now delayed.
A Shrinking Contingent
Tameen’s withdrawal leaves Pakistan’s already-thin squad looking even more vulnerable. Shajar Abbas remains sidelined with injury concerns, while Yasir Sultan and Mueed Baloch’s participation is uncertain. That means all hopes may rest on javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who is himself only recently back from surgery.
If the lineup remains unchanged, Pakistan could once again face the grim prospect of leaving the Championships without a medal—a stark reminder of the country’s struggle to build depth in athletics despite a handful of international stars.
Spotlight on Arshad Nadeem
With expectations mounting, Arshad Nadeem stands as Pakistan’s best chance of a podium finish. The javelin thrower has already etched his name into sporting history as the country’s first world champion in track and field, but coming off an injury, his fitness will be closely watched.
Pakistan’s contingent may be shrinking, but its ambitions remain intact. All eyes will now be on Arshad to see if he can once again deliver a breakthrough performance for his nation.
