Following Arshad Nadeem’s landmark victory at the Paris Olympics, where he clinched Pakistan’s first gold medal in four decades, the Sindh government and Governor Kamran Tessori have announced a total cash reward of Rs51 million for the athlete.
Nadeem, 27, delivered a remarkable performance in the men’s javelin event, achieving a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters with his second attempt. This throw surpassed the previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters set by Andreas Thorkildsen in Beijing 2008.
In a statement to state broadcaster PTV News, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab declared that the Sindh government will award Rs50 million to Nadeem, and pledged the establishment of a sports academy in Karachi named in his honor.
Governor Kamran Tessori has additionally awarded Rs1 million to Nadeem, celebrating his achievement in a post on X. He extended his congratulations to the nation for the historic success and praised Nadeem’s accomplishments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Nadeem’s “exceptional achievement” in a congratulatory message, calling it a “gift to the people of Pakistan” and highlighting the athlete’s role as a “symbol of national pride and inspiration.” Sharif also noted that the success was a result of the “seeds sown” during his tenure as Punjab chief minister, which are now bringing global recognition to Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari also extended his congratulations, describing Nadeem’s victory as “a win for the entire country” and acknowledging his dedication and hard work. The National Assembly session today also saw widespread praise for the Olympic record-holder.