ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced a cash award of Rs150 million (15 crore) to Olympian and gold medalist Arshad Nadeem besides, a number of other initiatives to recognize his historic feat in javelin throw competition of Paris Olympics 2024.
Addressing a special ceremony held at the PM Office and televised on Tv channels, the prime minister said that the road between F-9 and F-10 sectors of Islamabad would be renamed as ‘Arshad Nadeem road’, besides Arshad Nadeem High Performance Academy would be established at Jinnah Stadium to groom the young talent for the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
The prime minister announced establishment of Pakistan Sports Endowment Fund with Rs1 billion to support the players whereas a committee would be set up to give recommendations for the promotion of sports in the country.
On the occasion, the prime minister also announced an award of Rs10 million (1 crore)for Salman Iqbal Butt, Arshad’s coach.
He said that he had also recommended conferment of Hilal-i-Imtiaz award upon Arshad Nadeem.
The prime minister said that it was a moment of immense pride to host nation’s hero Arshad Nadeem who had won the gold medal in Paris Olympics after a gap of 40 years, on the basis of his hard work.
The entire nation thanked him as his success had doubled the celebrations of the Independence Day, he said, adding Arshad Nadeem, with his javelin throw, had also set a new Olympics record.
The prime minister opined that his achievement had set the morale of entire nation very high and gave a message that one should not be bogged down before problems and challenges but face them with courage and determination.
“The precedent you set in Paris is a beacon for us all. Your success came at a time when the preparations for the Independence Day are in full swing. Your precedent has given us courage. The Himalayan-like challenges will be surpassed and we will transform Pakistan into a great country,” he added.
The prime minister said upon Arshad’s historic success, the entire crowd in the stadium clapped for Pakistan, the national flag was raised and the national anthem was played for which he along with the entire nation, saluted Nadeem.
The prime minister also mentioned Arshad’s mother for her prayers and said that it was not an ordinary matter.
He expressed the optimism that with Arshad Nadeem’s success, more players would follow him in the winning streak and bring laurels to the country. All the leadership in the coalition government had congratulated Arshad.
The prime minister assured that the federal government in collaboration with the provincial governments would promote sports and called upon sports federations to shun their differences and concentrate on sports to revive hockey, cricket, and squash.
He also asked the prominent players and former Olympians to give him their inputs to revive the past glory.
The prime minister said that the chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab had earlier announced awards for Arshad Nadeem which was a welcome gesture.
Under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, he had previously performed as chief minister of Punjab and promoted sports events, he added.
Earlier, the prime minister received Arshad Nadeem and his mother at the PM House.
Arshad Nadeem, in his remarks, thanked his parents, the nation and media for their prayers to break the Olympics record.
He also expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for his support, respect and welcome, adding the respect accorded to him always encouraged sportsmen.
Arshad narrated the incidents and his preparations in a run up to his final competition in javelin throw.
The winning of gold medal in the Paris Olympics perfectly coincided with the celebrations of country’s independence day, he added.
