In a momentous celebration of athletic excellence, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited javelin star Arshad Nadeem’s hometown of Mian Channu on Tuesday. The visit marked the official recognition of Nadeem’s historic Olympic gold medal win, with CM Maryam presenting him a cheque for Rs100 million.
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Nadeem’s record-breaking 92.97-metre throw in Paris last week secured Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in four decades. This achievement stands out as Pakistan’s first individual gold medal and its inaugural track and field medal at the Olympics. It’s also noteworthy as only the second time a South Asian athlete has reached the podium in track and field events.
The chief minister’s arrival by helicopter was met with enthusiasm by Nadeem and his family. During the visit, CM Maryam congratulated both the athlete and his mother, Razia Parveen, engaging in conversation with the proud family.
Beyond the substantial monetary reward, Nadeem received a Honda Civic car bearing the special registration number PAK-9297, commemorating his winning throw distance. The recognition extended to Nadeem’s coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, who was presented with a Rs5 million cheque for his crucial role in the athlete’s success.
“Arshad Nadeem has brought unprecedented happiness to the nation,” CM Maryam stated, underscoring the significance of his achievement.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, and other government officials.
In a separate development, the Athletics Federation of Pakistan announced Umrah packages for Nadeem and his family, including his wife, children, and parents, scheduled after the conclusion of celebratory events.
This recognition not only honors Nadeem’s exceptional performance but also highlights Pakistan’s growing presence on the global sports stage, inspiring future generations of athletes across the nation.