Pakistan PM Acknowledges Arshad Nadeem with PKR 150 Million Cash and 1 Billion Endowment Fund

Awards continue to pour in for Pakistan athlete Arshad Nadeem who created history in the Paris Olympic Games 2024, securing the first-ever gold medal for his country in individual sports. Since returning to Pakistan, rewards in both cash and kind have been flowing in. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of PKR 150 million (approx. INR 4.5 crore) and a civilian honor for Pakistani javelin champion Arshad.

Nadeem brought the entire Pakistan into a state of celebration last week when he surpassed the Olympic record of 90.57 set by Andreas Thorkildsen of Norway in 2008, with his throw in the men’s javelin final. Arshad, by achieving 92.97m, defeated Neeraj Chopra, the Tokyo champion, for the top podium spot despite the Indian achieving his season-best 89.45 for silver.

At a dinner event in Islamabad, arranged in recognition of Nadeem, Pakistan PM Sharif honored the athlete who brought pride to the country in Paris. He also pledged a substantial amount of PKR 100 million for Arshad’s coach Salman Iqbal Butt.

“The success of Arshad Nadeem proves that limited resources, difficulties, and challenges are not obstacles to success,” Sharif stated.

The Pakistan PM also declared the Hilal Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award, for Nadeem. Additionally, the establishment of Arshad Nadeem High-Performance Academy at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad was announced. The Pakistan PM also revealed the creation of a sports endowment fund of PKR 1 billion.

Prime Minister #ShehbazSharif organized a banquet in recognition of Olympic Gold Medalist & the new Olympic record holder #ArshadNadeem at the PM House.

He handed a check of Rs.150 million to Arshad Nadeem for winning a gold medal in javelin throw at the #ParisOlympics2024.

A road… pic.twitter.com/CGyOy37bNo

— Shafek Koreshe (@shafeKoreshe) August 13, 2024

It was also announced by Pakistan’s Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar that Arshad will be the guest of honor at the Independence Day ceremony in Islamabad.

“Positive news is emerging from all directions,” Tarar mentioned, highlighting the festivities all over Pakistan that have taken place since Arshad secured the gold medal in Paris.

“Arshad Nadeem received a fitting welcome for his extraordinary accomplishment; his plane was given a water cannon salute,” Tarar expressed. He also encouraged filmmakers to document the athlete’s journey from Mian Channu to Paris in a biographical film.