Pakistan’s javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in Paris Olympics 2024. In the final held on August 8, Arshad Nadeem threw 92.97 in his second attempt. This was the best throw in Olympic history. India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal of this event. In the final, Neeraj Chopra made a throw of 89.45 meters in his second attempt, which was his best throw this season.
Rain of rewards on Arshad Nadeem
After winning the gold medal, Arshad is being welcomed as a hero in Pakistan. Arshad Nadeem is also receiving different types of gifts. According to Pakistani media reports, more than 30 crore Pakistani rupees (₹9.09 crore) prize money has been announced for Arshad Nadeem so far. Apart from this he has also received many gifts.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif handed over a check of Rs 15 crore (Pakistani rupees) to Arshad Nadeem on 14 August. Whereas a few days ago, Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had given a check of Rs 10 crore (Pakistani Rupees) to Arshad Nadeem. Besides, Maryam had also handed over a Honda Civic car to Arshad. The number of this car is quite special – PAK-92.97. This number has been registered matching with Arshad’s record making throw.
On the other hand, Arshad Nadeem’s father-in-law has decided to gift him a buffalo. Such gifts are part of tradition in rural areas. Speaking to local media in the village on Sunday (August 11), Arshad Nadeem’s father-in-law Muhammad Nawaz said that gifting a buffalo is considered ‘very valuable’ and ‘respectable’ in his village.
Also read: Pakistan: Arshad Nadeem, who won gold medal in Olympics, will get a buffalo as a gift from his father-in-law.
Pakistani-American businessman Ali Shekhani announced to gift a new Suzuki Alto car to Arshad Nadeem. While Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan gave a reward of Rs 20 lakh (Pakistani Rupees). Sindh Chief Minister announced Rs 5 crore (Pakistan Rupees) to Nadeem and Sindh Governor Kamran Tesri announced Rs 10 lakh (Pakistan Rupees). Famous Pakistani singer Ali Zafar and cricketer Ahmed Shehzad also promised to donate Rs 10 lakh each.
Gold Crown and second highest civilian honor
Sukkur Mayor Islam Shaikh has decided to honor Arshad Nadeem with a gold crown. Not only this, a new sports stadium in Sukkur will be named after Arshad Nadeem. Arshad Nadeem will be honored with Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second highest award. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari had announced this. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also announced the establishment of an athletic academy in Arshad’s name.
What did Neeraj get for winning gold?
On the other hand, no prize money has been officially announced yet for Neeraj Chopra, who won the silver medal in the Paris Olympics. However, according to the sports policy of Haryana Government, the silver medalist gets Rs 4 crore. When Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in Tokyo Olympics (2020), he was showered with money. Then Neeraj had received Rs 13 crore as prize money.
Neeraj had received Rs 6 crore from the Haryana government for winning gold. There was an announcement to give class-1 job. Whereas Punjab Government and Byju’s had announced to give Rs 2 crore each. BCCI, Chennai Super Kings and Manipur government had also announced to give Rs 1 crore each. Businessman Anand Mahindra had gifted Mahindra XUV700 car to Neeraj Chopra. Indigo also gave a special gift to Neeraj Chopra. Free tickets were announced by the company for a whole year.