THE ARSHAD NADEEM WAY: Despite getting least official support in terms of facilities and budget, Arshad Nadeem won a gold medal in men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics; a dream-come-true victory not just for the individual, but for the entire nation. He is being honoured at every level, and rewards are being showered on him. He deserves everything, and then some more. Surely, these rewards would help him carry out his plans for many others who tend to quit sports mainly due to financial reasons. We spend unjustly on cricket and see the failures due to two Ps: performance and politics. At least for once, Arshad Nadeem’s way should be followed by our cricketers and those who are running the game in Pakistan.

Khalid Mustafa
Islamabad

BEYOND CRICKET: It is strange that Pakistan Television (PTV) Sports did not cover the Olympic Games this time the way it used to do in the past. When the state is not prioritising sports broad- casting other than cricket, how can it expect the younger generation to take an interest in different sports? For a better future for sports, the PTV management should ensure that all such mega sports events are covered live on national television. This will enhance the interst of the youth in sports and ensure that the viewers do not miss their favourite events.

Jamshed Iqbal
Karachi

BLOWING TRUMPETS: A number of individuals and institutions have come forward to honour and reward Arshad Nadeem, our star Olympian who recently won the country’s first individual Olympic gold. Among them happens to be a commercial bank which announced an award worth Rs5 million for the athlete. As an account holder, I do appreciate the decision, as such financial assitance is essential to promote participation in diverse games. However, would it not have been better if the bank had added a line to the effect that it was doing this on behalf of its account holders? It is our money, after all. Or is it not?

Mrs Khurshid Naim
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2024