Cash prizes and more: What has been promised to Olympian Arshad Nadeem?

Arshad Nadeem has not only earned the praise of the Pakistani nation but also a fortune with his gold medal win in the Paris Olympics 2024. 

As just a few hours passed after Arshad's historic win, it was announced by prominent personalities of the country that the Olympian would be rewarded generously. 

Appreciating the star javelin thrower, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that by winning the gold medal, Arshad has given the nation a prize before Independence Day and announced Rs100 million cash reward for his him. 

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced a prize money of Rs50 million for Arshad for making the nation proud by winning the gold medal in the javelin throw competition in the Paris Olympics.

The Karachi mayor announced the opening of a sports academy in Karachi in the name of the Pakistani javelin thrower as well. He said, "Arshad (Nadeem) is a national hero and we are proud of our heroes."

The 40-year drought of a gold medal in the Olympics for Pakistan has ended with the javelin thrower’s achievement, despite his long struggle to get the required facilities, equipment and training demanded by the sport. He broke the Olympic record by throwing the javelin 92.97 meters away.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution recommending the government to award the highest civil award to the gold medalist.

Leader of Opposition in NA Omar Ayub said he should be given a grand welcome upon his return home.

Congratulating Arshad for winning the gold medal, the Senate on Friday announced to arrange a dinner "in the honour of his making the nation proud." 

Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar said the great son of the soil would also be awarded with prizes.

On the other hand, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has announced to give Rs2 million to him.

Moreover, singer Ali Zafar announced Rs1 million for the athlete to win gold for Pakistan.

He urged the government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to welcome him like a hero and establish a sports academy in his name. “If our athletes and sportsmen start getting the support they deserve we can win 10 golds a year,” he said.

Sindh Government Spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh announced that Arshad will be awarded a gold crown, on the desire expressed by the people of Sukkur.

Additionally, the under-construction new sports stadium in Sukkur will be named after Arshad to honour his remarkable achievement, he added.