PM heaps praise and prizes on javelin star

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash award of Rs150 million for Olympian gold medalist Arshad Nadeem on Tuesday, recognizing his historic javelin throw achievement at the Paris Olympics 2024.

His announcement came following a ceremony where Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presented Nadeem with a Rs100 million cheque and a Honda Civic car with the number plate "PAK 92.97."

During a special ceremony at the PM Office, which was broadcast on TV channels, the prime minister revealed that a road between the F-9 and F-10 sectors in Islamabad would be renamed 'Arshad Nadeem Road.' Additionally, an Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy will be established at Jinnah Stadium to train young talent for the 2028 Olympics.

The PM announced establishment of Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund with Rs1 billion to support the players whereas a committee would be set up to give recommendations for the promotion of sports in the country.

On the occasion, Shehbaz also announced an award of Rs10 million for Salman Iqbal Butt, Arshad's coach.

He said that he had also recommended conferment of Hilal-i-Imtiaz award upon Arshad Nadeem.

The prime minister said that it was a moment of immense pride to host nation's hero Arshad Nadeem who had won the gold medal in Paris Olympics after a gap of 40 years, on the basis of his hard work.

The entire nation thanked him as his success had doubled the celebrations of the Independence Day, he said, adding Arshad Nadeem, with his javelin throw, had also set a new Olympics record.

He said that his achievement had set the morale of entire nation very high and gave a message that one should not be bogged down by problems and challenges but face them with courage and determination.

"The precedent you set in Paris is a beacon for us all. Your success came at a time when the preparations for the Independence Day are in full swing. Your precedent has given us courage. The Himalayan-like challenges will be surpassed and we will transform Pakistan into a great country," he added.

The prime minister said upon Arashad's historic success, the entire crowd in the stadium clapped for Pakistan, the national flag was raised and the national anthem was played for which he along with the entire nation saluted Nadeem.

He expressed optimism that with Arshad Nadeem's success, more players would follow him in the winning streak and bring laurels to the country.

The prime minister assured that the federal government in collaboration with the provincial governments would promote sports and called upon sports federations to shun their differences and concentrate on sports to revive hockey, cricket, and squash.

 

Arshad Nadeem, in his remarks, thanked his parents, the nation and media for their prayers to break the Olympic record.

He also expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for his support, respect and welcome.

Arshad narrated how he prepared in the run-up to the Paris Olympics to strike gold in the final competition.

 

Punjab Chief Minister

 

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Arshad in his hometown of Mian Channu and awarded him a cheque worth Rs100 million for his medal.

CM Maryam arrived in Mian Channu via a helicopter to visit Arshad at his home, where she was greeted by the javelin star and his family.

The chief minister congratulated Arshad and his mother Razia Parveen, with whom she also had a chat.

According to a press release, Maryam handed Arshad a cheque worth Rs100m, which she had announced previously, along with a Honda Civic car with a special registration number PAK-92.97 to commemorate the athlete's winning throw.

The chief minister also handed Arshad's coach a cheque worth Rs5m, commending him for the training he provided to the javelin superstar.

"Arshad Nadeem has brought unprecedented happiness to the nation," Maryam was quoted as saying in the press release.