Here’s a list of gifts Pakistani Olympian Arshad Nadeem has got. There’s also a buffalo

Actor Mirza Gohar Rasheed has called on everyone who pledged rewards to Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem to prove that they will fulfil their promises— 'share receipts,' he said.

Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem celebrates after clinching gold for Pakistan at the 2024 Paris Olympics | Photo: Reuters

New Delhi: Pakistan is showering gifts on Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem—from Alto to Honda, Toyota and even a flat in Karachi. But some Pakistanis are disappointed and unhappy. They think ‘he deserves more’.

When Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani announced a Suzuki Alto as a gift for Nadeem, critics were quick to express their dissatisfaction. The reactions ranged from disbelief to outright derision, with many questioning if an Alto was a fitting reward for a gold medalist. One Reddit user thought he deserved an “Audio or a BMW, at least.”

An X user asked, “Ali Shaikhani was supposed to buy the PIA a few days back and now he’s merely gifting an Alto?”, while another said, “he’ll have to drive sitting in the backseat. it’s a big man for such a small car”

Meanwhile, Nadeem’s father-in-law, in a gesture reflecting local traditions and values, gifted him a buffalo.

Sports journalist Farid Khan pointed out that cattle are a symbol of wealth and status in rural communities, with the buffalo valued at approximately PKR 8 lakh.

Awards and rewards

Nadeem’s record-breaking achievement at the Olympics prompted a flood of monetary and other rewards from provincial governments, and real estate developers among others.

The honours don’t stop and with it came criticism; not for Nadeem but for those giving him the gifts.

Nadeem has been honoured with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, and a special commemorative stamp. He has received PKR 100 million from the Punjab Government and PKR 50 million from the Sindh government.

The Sindh Governor, Punjab Governor, and CEO of K-Electric each contributed PKR 2 million, while Baskin Robbins also gave PKR 2 million. Netsol Technologies and Ali Zafar each donated PKR 1 million. Toyota gifted him a Toyota Corolla Cross, and the CEO of GO Petroleum provided a car with free petrol for life.

In addition, the Arshad Nadeem Athletics Academy will be established in Karachi, and the Arshad Nadeem Sports City will be constructed in Mian Channu. An under-construction stadium in Sukkur will be renamed in his honour. Nadeem has also been presented with a gold crown by the Mayor of Sukkur, an apartment at ARY Laguna in Karachi, a five-star Umrah package from Tawaf Global Services, and Umrah for his family from the Athletics Federation of Pakistan.

Actor Mirza Gohar Rasheed has called on everyone who pledged rewards to Olympic gold medalist Nadeem to prove that they will fulfil their promises— “share receipts,” he said on Instagram.

What does Nadeem want? 

Nadeem has been vocal about his desire to support women’s education in his hometown of Mian Channu in Punjab province. Upon his return, he emphasised the need for a women’s university in his area, citing the difficulties local women face in accessing education.

In a recent statement, Nadeem elaborated on the challenges faced by young women in his community due to the absence of nearby higher educational institutions, Nation reported.

“It’s essential that we provide our local women with the opportunity to pursue higher education closer to home,” Nadeem said. “The long journey to Multan not only adds to their daily strain but also discourages many from pursuing their academic aspirations.”

While Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz visited the village and gifted Nadeem a Honda Civic with the number plate 92.97, commemorating his Olympic record, she has yet to respond to his request.

(Edited by Theres Sudeep)