Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday a cash reward of Rs150 millin for Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem during a ceremony held in his honour at the Prime Minister's House.
During his address also revealed plans to name the road between F-9 and F-10 sectors in Islamabad after Nadeem and establish a high-performance sports academy to nurture young talent.
In his address, PM Sharif acknowledged Nadeem's remarkable achievement, marking the first Olympic gold for Pakistan in 40 years.
He emphasised that Nadeem's victory, which coincides with the nation's Independence Day, has doubled the nation's happiness and lifted the morale of the entire country. "Arshad Nadeem has set an example for the nation by overcoming challenges with perseverance and hard work," he said.
Premier further announced the establishment of a one billion rupees sports endowment fund, aimed at supporting athletes' training and providing for their welfare post-retirement. A special committee will also be formed to enhance sports development in the country, with a focus on reviving Pakistan's former glory in hockey, cricket, and squash.
Highlighting Nadeem's contribution to Pakistan, PM Sharif declared that the athlete would be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civilian honors, on Independence Day, August 14.
PM Shehbaz also pledged a cash reward of Rs100 million for Nadeem's coach, recognizing the crucial role of mentorship in his success.
In a gesture of respect, PM Sharif assured that no tax deductions would be applied to the rewards given to Nadeem, stating, "The respect and honor given to our national hero are paramount."
Arshad Nadeem, while addressing the ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the nation and reiterated his commitment to further excel in upcoming events, particularly the Paris Olympics. "I will celebrate Independence Day with this gold medal, and I am determined to continue giving my best for Pakistan," he said.
Mr Shehbaz also acknowledged the efforts of other athletes, including female shooter Kushmala Talat, who represented Pakistan in the Paris Olympics, and urged sports officials and former Olympians to provide their insights and recommendations for revitalizing the country's sports sector.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the Arshad Nadeem High-Performance Academy, which will be established at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for sports in Pakistan.
