Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem was honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, in a prestigious ceremony held at the President House in Islamabad. The award was conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari, recognizing Nadeem’s remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he won Pakistan’s first gold medal in athletics with a record-breaking performance in the men’s javelin throw.
Nadeem’s historic feat came when he threw the javelin 92.97 meters, setting a new Olympic record and ending a 40-year drought for Pakistan in Olympic gold medals. This achievement not only brought immense pride to the nation but also marked a significant milestone in the country’s sports history. The President’s ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Nadeem’s coach Salman Iqbal Butt, Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination Nadeem Irshad Kayani, Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada, and other senior government officials.
During the ceremony, President Zardari praised Nadeem for his extraordinary dedication and hard work. He highlighted how Nadeem’s success has elevated Pakistan’s stature in international sports and inspired countless young athletes across the country. The President also announced a personal reward of Rs100 million for Nadeem, acknowledging his significant contribution to Pakistan’s sports achievements.
Nadeem’s win at the Olympics was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of national celebration. On August 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously announced that Nadeem would be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his exceptional accomplishment. Following his gold medal victory on August 8, Nadeem has been showered with numerous accolades and rewards from both public and private sectors.
Prime Minister Sharif also hosted a grand dinner in Nadeem’s honor and announced a substantial prize of Rs150 million. Additionally, the Prime Minister disclosed plans to establish the “Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy” at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, aiming to support future athletes and ensure continued success in sports. This new training center will be dedicated to nurturing talent and advancing the development of sports in Pakistan.
In a gesture of further appreciation, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented Nadeem with a cheque for Rs100 million and a Honda Civic car with the number plate “PAK 92.97” to commemorate his Olympic achievement. The Sindh government also awarded him Rs50 million, adding to the growing list of rewards and recognition Nadeem has received.
Various other private and government entities have also contributed to celebrating Nadeem’s success, offering additional cash prizes and acknowledgments. These gestures reflect the widespread admiration and respect for his accomplishments and the impact of his victory on the nation’s sporting landscape.
As Nadeem looks forward to the future, including his plans for the 2028 Olympics, his achievements continue to resonate as a symbol of perseverance and excellence. The support and accolades from across the nation not only honor his past success but also set the stage for continued achievements in the future. Nadeem’s journey from struggling with limited resources to becoming an Olympic champion is a testament to his resilience and the potential of Pakistani athletes on the global stage.
