(C)THE NEWS,olympic hero arshad nadeem honored with hilal e imtiaz and rs100 million reward
At a very official and colorful event held in Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari awarded Arshad Nadeem, the Olympic gold medalist of Pakistan with Hilal-e-Imtiaz. This is a well-deserved honor for Nadeem for setting a record by winning Pakistan’s first athletic gold medal and a record-breaking javelin throw at the Olympics. It was not only the victory of Nadeem’s record but also the victory of the nation to be proud of him. President Zardari’s reward of Rs 100 million put extra importance on Nadeem’s win opened a new chapter in Pakistan’s sports history and motivated the future generations.
A Historical Award for a Historical Record
The awarding of the Hilal-e-Imtiaz to Arshad Nadeem is one of the greatest achievements in the sports history of Pakistan. This is a prestigious civil award which is one of the highest in the country hence gives a measure of the achievement by Nadeem at the Olympics. The event was attended at the President House Islamabad by the key person involved in the sports administration of Pakistan which includes the coach of Nadeem, Salman Iqbal Butt; Secretary Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Nadeem Irshad Kayani; Director General Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada.
President Zardari himself has announced a Rs100 million reward for Nadeem showing how much the government is keen to encourage talented sportsmen. This is a handsome financial recognition not only for the recompense of Nadeem’s hard work and sincere efforts but it also signifies the importance of athletic capability in Pakistan.
It was a platform in which people watched from where Nadeem started his journey from a small town in Punjab to the Olympics. His success story of becoming an international level athlete has inspired many young athletes in the country and has provided them the much-needed morale boost that Pakistani athletes are capable of performing at the highest level in international competitions if supported properly.
How This Will Impact Pakistan’s Sports Industry
Arshad Nadeem’s achievement is not just for himself but it is a sign of change for athletics in Pakistan. This award ceremony is one of the most publicized and the amount of money that is involved will help to focus attention on track and field sports which are not very popular in the country especially when compared to cricket.
This honor could help in the development of more sports facilities and training equipment, especially for the javelin throw and other sports disciplines. This is a clear indication that the government is supporting Nadeem and therefore more youths will be motivated to engage in athletic activities fully aware that if they work hard, the government will provide them with an opportunity to work and earn a decent living.
Further, Nadeem’s success and subsequent honor could open the doors for more sponsorships for corporate and other private sectors for the development of sports. This could pave the way for a more sustainable system for the development of athletic talent within Pakistan hence increasing the chances of the country winning more medals in the Olympics.
The ceremony also emphasized the need to appreciate the background surrounding successful sportsmen. Finally, the appearance of Nadeem’s coach and other sports administrators at the event also recognizes that it takes a village to raise a world-beater. It can also result in improved treatment of athletes, the availability of better coaches, medical centers, and psychological assistance.