Arshad and Neeraj set to face off for first time after their first direct encounter since the Paris Olympics.

The highly anticipated event be held on August 16, is generating much interest, especially given the current political tensions between Pakistan and India.

A Diamond League press release on July 9 confirmed the attendance of major athletes, such as Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, Pakistan s top javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, and Kenyan middle-distance champion Faith Kipyegon.

Notably, Nadeem have missed a number of European tournaments this year. However, the Mian Channu native is now set to travel to Europe in order to regain his rhythm prior to the 2025 World Championships and the coming Olympic cycle.

Read More: Arshad Nadeem withdraws from World Athletics Silver Tour

Neeraj Chopra, meanwhile, has maintained his dominance in the sport. Earlier this spring he added another gold to his tally at the inaugural ‘Neeraj Chopra Classic’, a world-class field event held in India.

Conversely, Nadeem s last big competition was at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea s Gumi, where he won gold with a throw of 86.4 meters in May.

Nadeem and Neeraj personal chemistry was put to the test earlier this year when Nadeem received an invitation to the Neeraj Chopra Classic. The invitation attracted ire in India after the Pahalgam incident in Indian occupied Kashmir on April 22 — a day before Chopra announced his event. Under public backlash and pressure from politicians, Nadeem ultimately backed out of the event.