ATHLETICS
World Athletics Championships, Tokyo, Japan – SEPT 13-21:
The much-anticipated clash between India’s Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, their first meeting in over a year, fizzled out in World Athletics Championships javelin final in Tokyo upended expectations. Pakistan’s Olympic champion and 2023 Worlds silver medallist Nadeem bowed out in the fourth round with a best of 82.75m.
Dear Pakistanis,
— Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadOlympian1) September 18, 2025
I want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support and love throughout the World Athletics Championships. Although I couldn't achieve the result I had hoped for in the final, I am proud to have represented our nation on the biggest stage.…
Defending champion Chopra, hampered by back pain, endured a nightmarish outing and finished a disappointing eighth — his lowest result since his historic Olympic triumph in 2021. Afterward, Nadeem shared a heartfelt message on social media, “Dear Pakistanis, I want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support and love throughout the World Athletics Championships. Although I couldn’t achieve the result I had hoped for in the final, I am proud to have represented our nation on the biggest stage.”
In the men’s 3000m steeplechase there was a stunning upset when Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali as dramatically pipped to the gold medal by New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish. El Bakkali, the two-time defending world and Olympic champion, led off the final hurdle and seemed certain to win but relaxed his pace just before the line. Beamish seized the opportunity, storming past him in the final meters to win by 0.07 seconds.
BOXING
2025 World Boxing Championships, Liverpool, England – SEPT 4-14
Muslim-majority nations delivered a strong showing at the World Boxing Championships Kazakhstan led the pack with a total of 10 medals, including 7 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronze, dominating the men’s and women’s divisions.
Uzbekistan followed closely, securing 11 medals in total with 6 golds, 2 silvers, and 3 bronze, reflecting their continued excellence in boxing. Other notable performers included Turkey, which won 3 medals (2 silver, 1 bronze), and Azerbaijan with 2 bronze medals. Jordan added a further 1 bronze to the Muslim countries’ tally.
Collectively, these nations contributed 27 medals to the overall championship count of 80, underlining the significant presence and competitiveness of Muslim athletes on the global boxing stage.
Muslim Medalists
Gold
55 kg: Makhmud Sabyrkhan (KAZ)
60 kg: Abdumalik Khalokov (UZB)
65 kg: Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (UZB)
70 kg: Torekhan Sabyrkhan (KAZ)
75 kg: Fazliddin Erkinboev (UZB)
80 kg: Javokhir Ummataliev (UZB)
85 kg: Akmaljon Isroilov (UZB)
90 kg: Turabek Khabibullaev (UZB)
+90 kg: Aibek Oralbay (KAZ)
Women’s 51 kg: Alua Balkibekova (KAZ)
Women’s 65 kg: Aida Abikeyeva (KAZ)
Silver
+90 kg: Jakhongir Zokirov (UZB)
Women’s 51 kg: Buse Çakıroğlu (TUR)
Women’s 65 kg: Navbakhor Khamidova (UZB)
Women’s 75 kg: Büşra Işıldar (TUR)
Bronze
70 kg: Zeyad Ishaish (JOR)
75 kg: Saidjamshid Jafarov (AZE)
90 kg: Loren Alfonso (AZE)
+90 kg: Bayikewuzi Danabieke (CHN)
Women’s 51 kg: Feruza Kazakova (UZB)
Women’s +80 kg: Şeyma Düztaş (TUR)
CRICKET
Asia Cup, Dubai, UAE – SEPT 9-28:
Pakistan booked their place in the Asia Cup Super Fours with a 41-run win over the UAE in Dubai. After a stuttering batting performance limited them to 146-9, spearheaded by Fakhar Zaman’s 50, Shaheen Afridi delivered a decisive all-round display. His crucial 29-run cameo was followed by a three-wicket haul to defend the modest total.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated Super Four clash with arch-rivals India. In Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka sealed their progression by defeating Afghanistan by six wickets, eliminating their opponents. Kusal Mendis anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74, reaching a target of 170 with eight balls to spare.
Afghanistan had recovered from 79-6 thanks to captain Mohammad Nabi’s explosive 60 off 22 balls, which included five consecutive sixes in the final over. The result also confirms Bangladesh’s qualification from Group B, joining Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan in the next round.
WRESTLING
2025 World Wrestling Championships, Zagreb, Croatia – SEPT 13- 21:
Iran’s freestyle wrestling team won the World Championships in Zagreb, capturing their first world title in 12 years. The team claimed seven medals: two golds, three silvers and two bronzes. Iran secured the top spot in the freestyle team standings with 145 points, narrowly ahead of the US (134 points).
The victory marks a resurgence for Iran in freestyle wrestling and reinforces their enduring global strength in the sport.
For full results, visit the official championship page.
Photo: Pakistan’s Olympic Javelin champion and 2023 Worlds silver medallist Nadeem bowed out in the fourth round with a best of 82.75m. (Credit: Mustafa Yalçın/AA)
