Pakistan’s Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem presented the Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of the second semi-finals between South Africa and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday.
Arshad is Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medallist and the country’s first athletics medallist.
The 6’3 inch javelin thrower dominated the Paris 2024 men’s event by throwing a his spear to 92.97m, setting an Olympic and Asian record. In the process, he broke Neeraj Chopra’s title defence as he settled for a silver with his best throw of 89.45m.
The winner of the contest will face off India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan were knocked out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage.
It is for the first-time Pakistan has hosted a global event. Dubai was selected as a neutral venue due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
India, the first team to reach Champions Trophy final, have played all their matches in UAE with different pitches used.