Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem has advocated for job opportunities for national athletes, suggesting that such positions could serve as a launching pad for their careers in professional sports. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad after a meeting with cabinet members, Nadeem emphasized that providing jobs within various departments would encourage athletes and give them a solid foundation to advance their careers.
Accompanied by his coach Salman Iqbal Butt and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Nadeem met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials. This followed a visit from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who awarded him Rs100 million in recognition of his Olympic success.
Arshad Nadeem made history at the 2024 Paris Games by setting a new Olympic record in javelin throw with an impressive distance of 92.97 meters. This achievement has been a source of immense pride for Pakistan, marking the country’s first individual Olympic gold medal and ending a 32-year wait for a medal.
Prior to Nadeem’s win, Pakistan had only secured gold medals in field hockey, with victories in 1960, 1968, and 1984. The 27-year-old athlete, hailing from a village near Mian Channu, was welcomed home with great enthusiasm, greeted with petals, drumbeats, and patriotic cheers at Lahore airport.
In Islamabad, Nadeem expressed gratitude to God, his parents, and the media for their support, acknowledging the hard work of himself and his coach behind the historic win. His journey began in 2012 with a participation in a youth festival, and despite his landmark victory, he vowed to continue working hard to achieve more for the country.
Nadeem also thanked the Water and Power Development Authority and the Lahore Electric Supply Company for offering him a government job. He praised his coach Salman Iqbal Butt for his dedication and Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa for his assistance with an injury.
Sharing details about his Olympic performance, Nadeem mentioned that his first throw in the final round was a foul due to a poor run-up, but his second throw, measuring 92.97 meters, secured the gold medal. Though he did not break the world record, he expressed his gratitude for the Olympic gold and the new record achieved.
He appreciated the hero’s welcome from the nation and thanked Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz for her visit. Nadeem also expressed thanks to the Prime Minister, sports boards, federations, and LESCO for their support
Looking ahead, he expressed hope for future competitions and promised to continue striving for excellence, celebrating his gold medal on Pakistan’s Independence Day, August 14.
