Arshad Nadeem to receive Pakistan’s second highest civilian Honour after Olympic Gold

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday, announced the decision, hailing Nadeem's achievement as a source of immense pride for Pakistan. The award will be formally conferred upon the athlete in a special ceremony.

Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan celebrates. (REUTERS Photo)

Pakistan will bestow its second highest civilian honor, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, upon Arshad Nadeem, the 27-year-old javelin thrower who won the gold medal and created a new record at the Paris Olympics this week. With his win, a 40-year-old drought of individual gold medals for the country came to an end.

President Asif Ali Zardari announced the decision on Saturday, hailing Nadeem’s achievement as a source of immense pride for Pakistan. The award will be formally conferred upon the athlete in a special ceremony.

“Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable performance has made the nation proud on the global stage. His outstanding success in athletics is a source of pride for the country,” President Zardari stated in a letter, according to a report by news agency PTI.

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According to PTI, Zardari’s office has also sent a letter to the Cabinet Division for the formal conferment of the award.

Also read | Rise of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem: From lack of funding to buy javelins to becoming the world’s best at Paris 2024

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the issuance of a commemorative stamp titled “Azm-e-Istehkam” (Commitment to Stability) on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The stamp will feature Nadeem’s image alongside the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan.

Nadeem’s golden feat has triggered a wave of jubilation across the nation, with cash awards and honors pouring in from various quarters. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a substantial cash reward and plans to build a sports city in Nadeem’s hometown. Similar honors and rewards have been pledged by other provincial governments and organizations.

Also read | Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem and the hurdles for Pakistani athletes

Nadeem won the gold at the elite men’s javelin throw competition with a mammoth 92.97 m throw on Thursday at Paris which broke the Olympic record of 90.57 m set at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

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