ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari awarded Olympian Arshad Nadeem the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his achievement: winning the country’s first gold medal in 40 years at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Arshad secured Pakistan’s first athletic gold medal by setting an Olympic record in the men’s javelin throw competition.
The President presented the award to him during a ceremony at the President House in Islamabad.
The 40-year Olympic gold medal drought for Pakistan ended with the javelin thrower’s achievement, despite his prolonged struggle with limited facilities, equipment, and training.
Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Following this achievement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on August 13 that he would be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
Since his victory on August 8, when he claimed the gold, Arshad has been showered with rewards. PM Shehbaz hosted a lavish dinner for the star javelin thrower and announced a prize of Rs150 million.
Revealing his plans for the 2028 Olympics, the prime minister announced the establishment of a training center within Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, which will be named the “Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy.”
Separately, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented the Olympian with a cheque for Rs100 million and a car key with the number plate “PAK 92.97.” Meanwhile, the Sindh government awarded him Rs50 million in prize money.
Several private and government entities awarded him cash prizes and other rewards for making the nation proud on the world athletic stage.
