PM Shehbaz awards Rs2.5 million cash prize to Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a Rs2.5 million cash prize for Pakistan's ace javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem in recognition of his achievement of securing the country's first-ever silver medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Nadeem was applauded by the PM for winning a silver medal despite lacking adequate resources and equipment he needed to succeed. 

PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of identifying abundant sporting talent in rural areas that need nurturing and support.

Arshad deemed his meeting with the Prime Minister very productive and suggested several ideas to boost sports in the country.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, MAN Romeena Khurshid Alam and Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, a member of Punjab Assembly also joined the meeting.

At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary, Mian Channu-born athlete made history by securing the country's first-ever silver medal in the javelin throw event. 

His throw of 87.82 meters placed him just behind India's Neeraj Chopra, who secured the gold medal with a throw of 88.17 meters.

Arshad is currently training hard to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics. France's largest stadium, Stade de France, will host the javelin throw competition at the Paris Olympics. 

The qualifying rounds will be held on August 6, with the final taking place two days later, on August 8, 2024.