President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award of the country, on Olympian Arshad Nadeem for winning the country's first gold medal in 40 years in the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics.
He won Pakistan’s first athletic gold medal with an Olympic record-breaking feat in the men's javelin throw competition.
President Zardari bestowed the award on him during a ceremony at the President House in Islamabad. The President also announced a Rs100 million reward from his side for the athlete.
Later, the athlete also called on President Zardari. The athlete's coach Salman Iqbal Butt, Secretary Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Nadeem Irshad Kayani, Director General Pakistan Sports Board, Yasir Pirzada, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.
Congratulating the star javelin thrower, Zardari stated that he made the country proud by setting the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 metres.
He appreciated his remarkable achievement, hard work, and dedication that not only elevated the country but also inspired countless young athletes across the country.
The 40-year drought of a gold medal in the Olympics for Pakistan ended with the javelin thrower’s achievement, despite his long struggle with lack of facilities, equipment and training.
Nadeem broke the Olympic record with 92.97 meters throw.
Over this achievement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 13 had announced to grant him Hilal-e-Imtiaz.
Nadeem has been showered with rewards since his victory on August 8, the day he claimed the gold. PM Shehbaz hosted a lavish dinner for the ace javelin thrower and announced a prize of Rs150 million.
Disclosing his plans for the 2028 Olympics, the prime minister announced to establish a training centre inside the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, which will be named "Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy".
Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented a cheque of Rs100 million and a key of a car with a number plate "PAK 92.97" to the Olympian. While the Sindh government had given him a prize money of Rs50 million.
Several other private and government entities granted him cash prizes and other rewards for his making the nation proud on the world athletes map.
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