ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz upon Olympic javelin throw champion Arshad Nadeem on Thursday in recognition of his gold medal-winning performance in recent Paris Olympics.

The president also announced a reward of Rs100 million for the star athlete. The award was presented during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr here.

“I am very happy to receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz,” said Arshad. “I feel even more joy than when I won the Olympic gold medal. I am getting more than I deserved,” he remarked, noting that he had already received all promised prize money from various sources.

When asked about his rival from India, Neeraj Chopra, who won the silver medal, Arshad encouraged him to continue working hard. He also acknowledged his substantial fan following in India and requested their continued prayers for more victories for Pakistan.

Upon entering the hall, where the medal was presented, Arshad received a standing ovation from the attendees, including ex-hockey stars. As the pronouncer detailed his achievements, Ars­h­ad was visibly moved, though he quickly composed himself and accepted the Hilal-i-Imtiaz with a smile.

Later, Arshad met with President Zardari in his office. The meeting was also attended by Arshad’s coach Salman Iqbal Butt, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination secretary Nadeem Irshad Kayani and PSB director general Muhammad Yasir Pirzada.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2024