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Xtra Time Web Desk:  Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, who clinched gold in the men’s javelin event at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, has been showered with accolades and rewards upon his return home. In a grand ceremony in Mian Channu on August 13, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz honored Nadeem with a cheque worth PKR 100 million and a brand-new Honda Civic, complete with a special license plate commemorating his historic Olympic throw.

Arshad Nadeem's throw not only secured Pakistan's first track and field Olympic medal but also set a new Olympic record, surpassing the previous mark of 90.57 meters held by Andreas Thorkildsen since 2008. Nawaz, who traveled to Nadeem’s hometown via helicopter, met with the athlete’s family, praising his mother for her role in nurturing Pakistan’s newest sports icon.

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Photos from the felicitation ceremony, including a glimpse of the special registration number on Nadeem’s car, were widely shared, highlighting the nation’s pride in his achievement.

The celebration didn’t stop with the government’s recognition. Earlier in the week, a Pakistani-American businessman announced that he would gift Nadeem a Suzuki Alto, while Nadeem’s father-in-law added a traditional touch by promising to present the Olympic hero with a buffalo, a gesture of high esteem in their rural community.

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In addition to the PKR 150 million cash reward from the government, Nadeem is set to receive the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, as well as a commemorative stamp to be issued on Pakistan’s Independence Day, symbolizing his monumental achievement. The support from various quarters, including a PKR 1 million reward from popular singer Ali Zafar, underscores the widespread admiration for Nadeem’s historic performance, which brought immense joy and pride to the nation.