Pakistan Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Arshad Nadeem in Mian Channu to personally award him a prize of 10 crore Pakistani Rupees and a car with special number plate.
Arshad Nadeem has become Pakistan’s most celebrated sportsperson following his historic achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he secured the country’s first-ever individual gold medal.
Nadeem made headlines with an Olympic record-breaking javelin throw of 92.97 meters, edging out India’s Neeraj Chopra, who took silver with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters.
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Despite his humble beginnings in the rural village of Khanewal in Punjab, where he relied on financial support from villagers and relatives to compete internationally, Nadeem’s perseverance has brought him immense recognition and rewards.
The gold medalist’s achievements have not gone unnoticed in Pakistan. On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Nadeem in Mian Channu to personally award him a prize of 10 crore Pakistani Rupees. In addition to the monetary reward, Nadeem received a Honda Civic car with a special registration number, PAK-92.97, symbolizing his Olympic-winning throw, as reported by Dawn.com.
Beyond the official accolades, Nadeem’s success has resonated deeply with his family and community. His father-in-law, Muhammad Nawaz, announced a unique and meaningful gift—a buffalo, which holds great cultural and traditional value in their village. Nawaz emphasized that in their rural community, gifting a buffalo is considered a sign of great honor and respect.
Nawaz spoke to the local media on Sunday, expressing his pride in Nadeem’s connection to his roots. Despite his Olympic glory, Nadeem remains grounded, continuing to live in his village with his parents and brothers. Nawaz shared that when he married his youngest daughter, Ayesha, to Nadeem six years ago, the athlete was of modest means, doing small jobs to support his passion for javelin. Even then, Nadeem was determined to excel, training tirelessly in the village fields.
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Nawaz also revealed that Nadeem and Ayesha now have three children—two sons and a daughter. The older children have recently started attending the local primary school, while the youngest son is still at home.
Nawaz expressed his contentment with Nadeem’s humility and respectfulness, noting that the Olympic champion is never demanding and is always appreciative of whatever is provided when visiting his in-laws’ home.
This heartwarming story of Arshad Nadeem’s rise from a small village to the global stage serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, community support, and staying true to one’s roots.