On Thursday, Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, for bringing the country laurels from the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics.
He won Pakistan’s first athletic gold medal with a record-breaking Olympic feat in the men’s javelin throw competition.

President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed the award on him during a ceremony at the President’s House in Islamabad. The President also announced a Rs 100 million reward for the athlete from his side.
Later, the athlete also called on President Zardari. The athlete’s coach Salman Iqbal Butt, Secretary Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Nadeem Irshad Kayani, Director General Pakistan Sports Board, Yasir Pirzada, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

Congratulating the star javelin thrower, Zardari stated that he made the country proud by setting the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. 

He appreciated his remarkable achievement, hard work, and dedication, which elevated the country and inspired countless young athletes across the country. 

Pakistan’s 40-year drought of a gold medal in the Olympics ended with the javelin thrower’s achievement, despite his long struggle with a lack of facilities, equipment, and training.

Nadeem broke the Olympic record by throwing his spear 92.97 meters away.

Over this achievement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on August 13, had announced to grant him Hilal-e-Imtiaz.

Nadeem has been showered with rewards since his victory on August 8, the day he claimed the gold. PM Shehbaz hosted a lavish dinner for the ace javelin thrower and announced a prize of Rs150 million.
Disclosing his plans for the 2028 Olympics, the prime minister announced the establishment of the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, which will be named “Arshad High-PerformancePerforma

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented the Olympian with a cheque for Rs100 million and the key to a Honda Civic car with the number plate “PAK.” There, the Sindh government gave givRs50 million in prize money million.

Several other private and government entities granted him cash prizes and rewards for making the nation proud on the world athletes’ map.