COAS Syed Asim terms Arshad Nadeem's Olympic win "national pride"

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Friday hosted a reception in honour of Pakistan's first-ever Olympic gold-medalist, Arshad Nadeem, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The event was held at the army auditorium and was attended by sports teams and legendary Olympians, including 1984 Olympic and National Hockey Teams, National Cricket Team, Street Football Team, Army Polo Team, Visually Impaired Cricket and Women Goal Ball Teams, Medal Winners of Common Wealth Games, SAF and Asian Games and participants of Paris Olympics 2024.

Several Pakistani legendary sportsman, including Jehangir Khan, Isalah Ud Din, Shahbaz Senior, Sohail Abbas, Muhammad Asif and Aisam-ul-Haq, also attended the army-organised event.

The 27-year-old athlete, who reached GHQ with his close relatives, associates, and coaches, was the man of the hour at the ceremony.

The statement issued by ISRP said that COAS Asim appreciated Arshad's remarkable achievement of winning Pakistan's first-ever gold medal in a singles event and setting a new record at Paris Olympics.

"He [army chief] highlighted Arshad's inspirational journey from humble beginnings to achieving greatness, emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination," the military's media wing said.

The top militaryman recognised the sportsman's achievement as "national pride".

"COAS reaffirmed the commitment to support and empower not only sportsmen, but the entire wealth of Pakistani youth to achieve excellence towards a prosperous Pakistan.

"COAS highlighted the need for Youth Engagement, Development and Entertainment as essential cardinals of a healthy and prosperous society."

The Mian Channu-born javelin thrower expressed gratitude towards Gen Asim, emphasising the immense potential of Pakistani youth.

Arshad, in the meeting, stressed the importance of hard work, positivity, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

The sportsman made the country proud on August 8 when he threw a javelin at the record-breaking spot of 92.97 metres at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The throw made him able to end Pakistan's 40-year wait for an individual gold medal at the Summer Games.

Following the achievement, Arshad was showered with announcements of cash prizes and rewards from politicians and celebrities.

President Asif Ali Zardari will confer Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award, on the national hero for his outstanding performance at the World Games.