Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced his decision to form a committee to revive Pakistan’s lost sports glory, urging former players to shun differences and work together for the betterment of sports.

“The committee will see how the government can contribute to reclaiming Pakistan’s lost sports glory,” he said while addressing a state banquet held in honour of Arshad Nadeem for securing the country’s first Olympic gold medal in 40 years.

All the sports associations should aside their differences and in unison all games, including hockey, squash, and cricket, he said and urged the former great players to send their recommendations to the government to improve the sports in the country.

PM Shehbaz said that he and the provinces were ready to complete support for the plans and direction.

While praising the announcements of cash awards for Nadeem from the Sindh and Punjab governments, PM Shehbaz announced a reward of Rs150 million from the federal government for the Olympian and Rs10 million for his coach.

“There will be no tax on this,” he said and pointed towards the Federal Board of Revenue members for not taxing the untaxed sectors but rather levying the taxpayers.

The premier stated that he would announce a civil award for Nadeem’s coach on the next Pakistan Day after he brings more laurels for the country.

PM Shehbaz also announced that a street between the F9 and F10 in Islamabad would be named Arshad Nadeem Road. “The story doesn’t end here, I also announce the establishment of Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy at Jinnah [Sports] Stadium,” the premier added.

The academy would play a vital role in supporting and nurturing young talent for the next Olympics in America, he said.

The prime minister also announced a sports endowment fund worth Rs1 billion for fulfilling the needs of athletes and providing them opportunities for growth, as well as retired sports players.

He said that there was a suggestion of Rs400 million for the fund, but he extended it.

The premier also shared that when Nadeem clinched the gold medal, he sent a summary to the president for conferring Hilal-i-Imtiaz on the Olympian.