Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem to be awarded with Hilal-e-Imtiaz

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday announced that javelin star Arshad Nadeem would be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz — the second-highest civilian award given by the Government of Pakistan — for his record-breaking performance in the Paris Olympics 2024.

According to a statement issued by the presidency today, Arshad will be awarded the civil award in a special ceremony in recognition of outstanding services in the field of sports.

Following the president’s directive, the Aiwan-e-Sadr has sent a letter to the Cabinet Division, requesting the award for the athlete.

The president will bestow the civilian award on Nadeem under Article 259(2) of the Constitution, which allows the President to honour citizens for their valuable contributions across various fields.

‘Grand reception’

Javelin world champions Arshad Nadeem, who ended Pakistan’s 40-years wait for the Olympic gold, will be returning to Pakistan on Sunday.

The 27-year-old made a record-shattering 92.97 m throw at the ongoing Paris Olympics to claim the gold medal.

As per the schedule, Nadeem will land at the Allama Iqbal International airport on Sunday at 1am. He is travelling via Istanbul.

The national hero will be accompanied by the Chairman of South Asian Athletics, Muhammad Akram Sahi. Coach, Salman Butt, is also returning alongside him.

A grand reception is planned for his welcome in Lahore as PM Shehbaz to welcome him at airport.

The arrangements are being made by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan and the Sports Board of Punjab.

During his jaw-dropping performance, he broke Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen record, who threw farthest at 90.57 during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Following his triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024, Punjab government announced Rs100 million for Arshad.