Shehbaz hosts Arshad for dinner, announces Rs150m reward

ISLAMABAD/MIAN CHANNU: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday hosted a lavish dinner for the country’s pride ace javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Nadeem, along with his mother and family, received a grand welcome from PM Shehbaz when they reached the Prime Minister’s House. Addressing a ceremony after the dinner, the prime minister announced a prize of Rs150 million, one of the many rewards to honour the Pakistani star as the country’s citizens continue to celebrate the incredible performance at the Paris Olympics setting a new record and securing a gold medal before the festivities of Independence Day on Wednesday.

Expressing his delight at the javelin ace’s accomplishment, PM Shehbaz also announced the decision to name the road leading to Islamabad’s F9 from the F10 sector after Nadeem and called it a splendid gift for the nation ahead of the Independence Day (August 14). The premier also announced to honour the athlete with the second-highest civilian award, Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Disclosing his plans for the 2028 Olympics, the prime minister said that youth and athletes will receive training at a sports academy, which will soon be established inside the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad. The training centre will be named “Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy”. “Young athletes will be trained to participate in the next Olympics by receiving training in this academy,” PM Shehbaz added. Moreover, the premier also announced a sports endowment fund worth Rs1 million for the prosperity of players, the needs of retired players and provision of better training opportunities for them.

Addressing the event, Arshad expressed gratitude towards his family and the nation for their earnest prayers, which he said had enabled him to break the Olympic record for the javelin throw event. He also thanked the public for the warm welcome upon his return to Pakistan, saying it was “even more so than my medal”. Arshad pledged to “train fully for all upcoming competitions” and make another world record. Arshad Nadeem and his family were flown in from Mian Channu to the federal capital by a special plane arranged by the prime minister.

Earlier, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accorded a warm welcome to Nadeem and his family, who arrived in Islamabad on a charter plane, at the Nur Khan Airbase. Nadeem’s entourage was given state protocol. Talking to the media on the occasion, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who received Nadeem, said that the gold medalist is a national hero and a state guest. He said that besides the banquet hosted at the PM House in Arshad’s honour, the athlete has been invited to the main Independence Day ceremony, where he would unfurl the Pakistani flag alongside PM Shehbaz in the flag hoisting event.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif felicitated Arshad Nadeem in Mian Channu where she visited his family in village 15-L Chak 101, Talianwala. The Olympian Arshad Nadeem and his family warmly welcomed the chief minister. Maryam warmly hugged and congratulated Arshad’s mother Ms Razia Parveen on her son’s accomplishment and achieving a new world record for Pakistan. Maryam sat down with Parveen and congratulated the family, his coach and his teacher. She also took photos and selfies with Arshad’s family. The family termed the chief minister’s visit to their house as an honour. Maryam also gifted a Honda Civic R and a cheque for Rs100 million to Arshad Nadeem. She also gave a cheque of Rs5 million to his coach Salman Iqbal Butt.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that Arshad Nadeem has brought an unprecedented happiness and joy to the nation. During the visit, Arshad also reminisced about the Olympic event and his efforts to achieve the goal. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik, MPA Sania Ashiq, Amir Hayat Haraj, Pir Aslam Bodla, Chief Secretary, ACS South, AIG South, secretary sports, commissioner, RPO, deputy commissioner and others were also present on the occasion.

In a related development, Arshad Nadeem addressed a press conference at a local hotel in Islamabad which drew a large number of journalists, dignitaries, and fans. He spoke passionately about his journey, challenges, and the overwhelming support he received from the people of Pakistan. He expressed deep gratitude to the nation, his coaches and all those who stood by him throughout his career. “I am deeply humbled by the love and support I have received from fellow Pakistanis. This victory is not just mine; it belongs to the entire nation,” Arshad said. “I hope my success will inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams and bring glory to our beloved country.”

Arshad also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent in Pakistan and the need for better sports facilities across the country. He also shared his plans and goals, emphasizing his commitment to continue bringing more accolades to the country.