Arshad Nadeem gets grand welcome

Olympics gold medalist Arshad Nadeem received a hero’s welcome on his return early Sunday morning.

Nadeem arrived in Lahore after winning Pakistan its first athletics gold in Olympics by managing a throw of 92.97 meters, a new Olympic record, at the men’s javelin final at the Paris Olympics last week.

Grand welcome

The airline carrying Nadeem received a water cannon salute in honor of the athlete.

Large number of people from Lahore, Arshad’s hometown Mian Channu and other parts of the country were present at the airport to have a glimpse of the superstar who got Pakistan on the 2024 Olympics medal table.

Federal minister Ahsan Iqbal, PML (N) senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafiq and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari welcomed him at the airport. However, initially it was expected that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz would welcome him.

Amid grand protocol, Arshad was then taken to Mian Channu after making a few stop-overs on the way to attend state-planned crowded receptions.

Thanking the nation

The 27-year-old said that his success had a huge labor behind it. “I am thankful to the entire nation, country and media through whose prayers God has blessed me with the gold,” he told reporters at the airport.

“My coach Salman Butt also worked hard. We worked well after through right knee surgery in February this year. I am thankful to Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa who worked hard on my injury. It was very hot here and despite that we worked harder,” he added.

Talking to Nukta, Nadeem’s coach, Butt, said that while they appreciated the welcome, it was nevertheless smothering. “It was a good reception but we did not enjoy it as it was very hot,” Butt said.

Mothers bridging India-Pakistan gap

After the final, silver medalist Neeraj Chopra’s mother Saroj Devi inspired the two nations when she said, “He (Nadeem) is also like our child. Our silver looks to us as gold”.

In response, Nadeem’s mother said, “Chopra is also my son. I congratulate him and his family. Before this, Chopra used to win medals and now my son has won the medal and I don’t think it makes any difference.”

India’s prime minister Narendra Modi was also moved by Neeraj’s mother’s statement..

“When she was asked about (Arshad) she said he is also our son. It's moving,” Modi said while talking to Neeraj.

Hilal-e-Imtiaz

President Asif Ali Zardari has announced that Arshad Nadeem will be bestowed with Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his grand services for the country. He has announced this under Article 59 (clause 2). A letter has been written to the cabinet division and as soon the process completes, Arshad will be bestowed with the award at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said Nadeem has shown a new way to Pakistani youth.

“This will become a turning point for Pakistan’s sports,” he said. “The state eyes to develop sports at the district, provincial and national level. We will build world-class facilities so that our talented youngsters can not pass through the troubles through which Arshad has passed.”

Prize money

World Athletics: World Athletics will award 50,000 US dollars to Arshad Nadeem for claiming the gold medal in the Paris Olympics.

Government: Punjab government announced PKR 100 million for Nadeem, Sindh government will reward him with PKR 50 million besides multiple decent purses and cars from corporate sector.

Tax relief

Federal Board of Revenues (FBR) has clarified that Arshad will receive tax-free prize money. “It is clarified at the outset that Arshad Nadeem is our national hero who has not only elevated Pakistan's image in the whole world but has made the whole Pakistani nation overjoyed by winning a Gold Medal after 40 years in the Olympics,” FBR said in an official statement.

“It is clarified that there is no withholding tax on his prizes and the Government of Pakistan and FBR are determined to make his income exempt much before he files his return in September, 2025.”

Potential promotion

Nadeem is currently serving WAPDA in Grade-18 and his department aims to promote him to Grade-19 for his achievement. The athlete is likely to be upgraded to an assistant manager role. Nadeem will be the first player from WAPDA to earn Grade-19 as the body’s Board of Governors has the power to do so.