Javelin star Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, which ended Pakistan’s 40-year drought, has earned him a combined cash prize of Rs153 million from the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh.

The 27-year-old athlete put on a terrific performance at the elite men’s javelin event, setting a new Olympic record with a mammoth throw of 92.97 metres on his second attempt. This surpassed the previous record of 90.57m set by Andreas Thorkildsen at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

While hailing Arshad as the “hero who won the hearts of millions of Pakistanis”, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a reward of Rs100 million for the champion. She also announced the construction of a sports city in his hometown of Mian Channu, named after the athlete.

“The journey from the small village of Mian Chanu to the Paris Olympics is worthy of praise, making a new Olympics record is proof of his dedication,” the CM said in a statement issued by the state broadcaster PTV.

Moreover, the Sindh government also announced a cash prize of Rs53 million for Nadeem’s historic achievement, further cementing his status as a national hero.

The government and officials have showered the athlete with accolades and substantial cash rewards.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan announced a cash reward of Rs2 million for Nadeem, hailing him as a “role model for the country’s budding athletes.” The governor expressed hope that the Olympian would continue to bring more glory to Pakistan in the future and invited him to the Governor’s House upon his return.

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, speaking on behalf of the Sindh government, revealed that the province had announced a Rs50 million cash prize for the “national hero.” Wahab also vowed to establish a sports academy named after Nadeem in Karachi.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also announced a personal cash reward of Rs1 million for the celebrated athlete, describing Nadeem’s achievement as a “historical success” that deserves the entire nation’s congratulations.

While talking to Aaj News, Tessori also announced that Nadeem would be gifted an iPad and an iPhone, and a reception would be hosted for him at the Governor’s House.

Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Islam Sheikh announced that Nadeem would be awarded a gold crown and the new sports stadium in the city would be named after the athlete in honour of his achievement.

NA unanimously recommends highest civilian award for ‘Olympic hero’

Lawmakers heaped praises on Nadeem during the National Assembly session on Friday.

The august house unanimously passed a resolution, moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, congratulating Nadeem on his historic achievement and recommending that the government award him the country’s highest civil honour.

The resolution also urged the government to take concrete steps to promote sports development across Pakistan, recognising the immense potential of the nation’s youth.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari celebrated Nadeem’s triumph, saying the entire nation takes pride in his victory, which was the result of his hard work and determination.

Bilawal asserted that Nadeem’s feat was “another evidence” that when Pakistani youth are given the right opportunities, they can excel not just in the Olympics, but also in other international sporting events like the Cricket World Cup and the FIFA World Cup.

The PPP leader called for a consensus-driven approach to support local sporting talent, highlighting the abundance of skilled athletes in regions like Karachi’s Lyari area and Peshawar, where young girls have even won medals in Taekwondo.

Bilawal lamented that the federal and provincial governments have not done enough to foster and nurture the country’s sporting talent, and urged the federal sports minister to collaborate with provincial counterparts to establish endowment funds to provide sustained support.

Read more

World Athletics Championships: Arshad Nadeem wins historic medal for Pakistan

Javelin star Arshad Nadeem secures Pakistan first gold after 40 years

Neeraj Chopra’s mother praises son, gold medalist Nadeem

Opposition Leader Omar Ayub called for a grand welcome to be arranged for the athlete upon his return to the country, while PML-N’s Khawaja Asif pointed out that Pakistan had won an Olympic gold medal after decades of drought.

Mustafa Kamal of the MQM-P also spoke in the same wavelength, but lamented the lack of investment and support provided to nurture local sporting talent in the past.

In the Senate, Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar announced that the House would be hosting a special dinner in honour of the Olympic champion. Nasar stated that the country’s pride would also be suitably rewarded.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, speaking in the Senate, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing every possible facility to promote sports development across Pakistan. He said the youth should be inspired by Nadeem’s extraordinary achievement.