PM Shehbaz Sharif hosted Arshad Nadeem for dinner, Pakistan’s pride and ace javelin thrower, who clinched the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable 92.97-meter javelin throw secured Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal in the Olympics and its first gold in any discipline in 40 years.
Arshad Nadeem, accompanied by his mother and family, received a warm welcome from PM Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House. During the event, the Prime Minister announced a cash prize of Rs150 million as one of many rewards to celebrate Arshad Nadeem’s historic achievement ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day festivities.
The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also revealed plans to name the road from Islamabad’s F9 to F10 sector after Arshad Nadeem, calling it a splendid gift to the nation. Additionally, PM Shehbaz Sharif announced that Arshad Nadeem would be honored with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, PM Shehbaz Sharif shared plans to establish the “Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy” at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, where young athletes will be trained for future competitions. A sports endowment fund worth Rs1 million was also announced to support the development and welfare of athletes.
Expressing his gratitude, Arshad Nadeem thanked his family, the nation, and the public for their prayers and support, which he credited for his Olympic success. He pledged to continue training and aim for another world record in upcoming competitions.
Earlier in the day, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed Arshad Nadeem and his family upon their arrival in Islamabad, where they were given state protocol. The gold medalist was also invited to participate in the main Independence Day ceremony, where he will unfurl the Pakistani flag alongside PM Shehbaz Sharif.
