Sarah, Naseem and Salman with their cheques. -Dawn Photo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s hockey goalkeeper Salman Akbar, 11th SAF Games gold medallist sprinter Naseem Hameed and karate champion Sarah Nasir were awarded prizes in a ceremony here on Saturday.

The director-general of the Pakistan Sports Board, Amir Hamza Gilani, presented the cheques to the players in a ceremony organised at the board’s headquarters.

Salman was awarded Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sportsman of the year award and given Rs 1 million while Naseem and Sarah shared the Benazir Bhutto sportswoman of the year award, getting Rs 500,000 each.

Gilani said the aim of the awards was to encourage players.

“We will continue to sponsor players who will ensure medals for Pakistan,” said Gilani in his brief comments.

Salman, who played a key role in the South Asian Games last year which ended a medal drought for Pakistan, said, “I am happy to get selected for the sportsman of the year award.”

He was instrumental during the Games and took Pakistan to the final when he blocked a penalty-stroke against South Korea in the semi-final.

He was also declared the best goalkeeper of the event.

“No doubt the South Asian Games were tough but I managed to prove my critics wrong,” the 29-year-old  Salman maintained.

He added that he would be playing in the 2012 London Olympics and had no plans to retire.

“Reaching the podium at the London Olympics is my dream,” he added.

“It’s a long way ahead and as long as I feel comfortable I will continue to defend the goalpost for Pakistan,” said Salman, when asked to comment over his future plans.

Naseem Hameed, the fastest South Asian girl from Karachi, was equally happy over the prize.

“The medal is a lucky one for me,” said an energetic Naseem, who won 100-metre sprint gold at the 11th SAF Games.

She said that since she was representing Pakistan Army, she would be playing few upcoming national events.

“I am happy as this money will be a great boost to our efforts and struggle we put in at the international level. Such incentives by the government would promote culture of sports and encourage the players,” Sarah, SAF karate gold medallist told Dawn.

Sarah pointed that her parents played a key role in her current standing.

“I have seen a lot of encouragement from my mother and this led to my gold,” added Sarah.