Olympian Arshad Nadeem achieved a historic milestone for Pakistan, clinching the gold medal in men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics 2024 and setting a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters.
With this historic feat, he also ended Pakistan's 32-year wait for an Olympic gold medal. The victory marks Pakistan’s first individual gold medal and first medal in track and field.
Following his resounding victory, Arshad is being showered with felicitations and rewards left, right and centre. Following is how much cash reward has been announced for the young athlete and by whom:
- Hailing him as a "hero", Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a reward of Rs100 million. She also announced a sports city in Arshad's of Mian Channu named after him.
- Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan announced a cash reward of Rs2 million. He said Nadeem would be formally invited to the Governor’s House upon his return to Pakistan.
- Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the Sindh government announced Rs50 million "for the national hero". He also said that a sports academy named after Arshad Nadeem would also be established in Karachi.
- Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced Rs1 million for Arshad on the "historic victory".
- The World Athletics Federation has announced $50,000 or Rs13.9 million for Arshad Nadeem as the prize money for winning the gold medal and creating a world record in the javelin throw category.
- Singer Ali Zafar announced a reward of Rs1 million for Arshad Nadeem and urged the government to welcome him like a hero and establish a sports academy in his name.
@ArshadOlympian1 breaks record with 92.97 and wins gold for Pakistan!
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) August 8, 2024
I shall be honouring him with a one million reward through @AliZFoundation.
Let's show our heroes the celebration they deserve. I urge @GovtofPakistan @CMShehbaz to welcome him like a hero and establish a… pic.twitter.com/qFpInZqu9i
- Cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has also announced Rs1 million for the "Olympian hero" on behalf of his Ahmad Shahzad Foundation and Reportage Properties Group. He said he always believed in Arshad Nadeem's potential, and called him "our proud Champ ".
Furthermore, a foreign ice cream chain has also announced a cash reward of Rs2 million for the national hero, while a Karachi-based business tycoon has announced a luxurious apartment for him.
Moreover, the National Assembly has passed a resolution recommending the government to honour Nadeem with the highest civil award. Senate Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar plans to arrange an honorary dinner for Arshad once he returns to Pakistan.
Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh has announced that a gold crown will be presented to gold medalist Arshad Nadeem upon his arrival in Sukkur. He further said an under-construction new sports stadium in Sukkur will be named "Arshad Nadeem Stadium" in recognition of the athlete’s extraordinary accomplishments.
Also, a solar energy firm has promised a solar energy system for Arshad as a "tribute to his grand achievement for the nation".
