Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated athlete, has been showered with a series of rewards following his historic achievement of winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal in 40 years. His remarkable 92.97-meter javelin throw at the Olympics not only earned him a gold medal but also widespread recognition and generous prizes from both the government and private sector.
The federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced a cash reward of Rs150 million for Arshad, along with Rs10 million for his coach, Salman Iqbal Butt. The prime minister also promised to bestow a civil award on Arshad for his exceptional performance.
In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Arshad’s home in Mian Channu, where she presented him with a cheque for Rs100 million and handed over the keys to a Honda Civic car, customized with the special number plate “PAK 92.97.” She also awarded Rs5 million to his coach, while Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan announced an additional cash prize of Rs2 million.
The Sindh government, through Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, pledged Rs50 million to Arshad and announced the establishment of an “Arshad Nadeem Athletics Academy” in Karachi. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori further contributed by announcing a reward of Rs1 million for the athlete.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also joined in the celebrations by personally offering a reward of Rs5 million to Arshad.
On the international front, World Athletics, the governing body for the sport, announced that all gold medalists at the Paris Olympics, including Arshad, would receive $50,000 in prize money.
In addition to these, several private entities stepped forward to honor Arshad’s achievement. United Bank Limited (UBL) announced a reward of Rs5 million, while Toyota Pakistan gifted him a Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric car, acknowledging their sponsorship of the athlete since 2023.
Pakistani singer Ali Zafar, through his Ali Zafar Foundation, offered Rs1 million as a reward, expressing hope that Pakistan’s athletes could achieve even greater success with proper support. Cricketer Ahmad Shahzad also announced a Rs1 million prize for Arshad.
JDC Foundation Pakistan recognized Arshad’s record-breaking throw by offering Rs92,97,000, symbolizing his 92.97-meter throw, and an additional Rs2.5 million on behalf of the people of Karachi. The foundation, supported by businessman Ali Sheikhani, also gifted Arshad a Suzuki Alto car.
Lastly, Salman Iqbal, Chairman of ARY Laguna, announced that Arshad Nadeem would be awarded an apartment at ARY Laguna in recognition of his outstanding achievement.
These rewards reflect the immense pride and gratitude that the nation feels for Arshad Nadeem, whose Olympic victory has captured the hearts of millions.
