F.P. Report
KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday showered praises and expensive gifts on Pakistan’s Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem who also reciprocated by announcing free laptops for students.
CM Murad handed over a cheque of Rs50 million, traditional souvenir of Ajrak and Topi to champion javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for winning gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Arshad Nadeem won the javelin throw event in Paris with an Olympic Games record of 92.97 metres, pushing India’s Neeraj Chopra to second spot.
The Olympic hero visited Sindh CM House at the invitation of Syed Murad Ali Shah who handed him Rs50 million cheque and also announced Rs5 million reward for star javelin thrower’s coach.
Speaking on the occasion, Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for honouring his efforts and said CM Murad Ali Shah was the first who congratulated him even before getting a medal.
The Sindh CM also extended his government’s full support to the sportsman on behalf of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
During the meeting, Sindh Sports Minister Muhammad Bux Mahar also presented a cheque to the star javelin thrower in his personal capacity, while Saeed Ghani, minister for LB, announced to name a road in Karachi after Arshad Nadeem.
Free laptops for students
Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem announced distribution of 100 laptops among students in Karachi. He made the announcement while addressing a press conference along with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori in Karachi.
Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude for the success he achieved through hard work and the prayers of the entire nation. He thanked Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Mayor of Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and the people of Karachi for their respect and encouragement.
He also acknowledged the respect shown by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who visited his village, and expressed his deep appreciation for the love and support from the people of Karachi and Sindh.
Tessori said people gathered at the Governor House to catch a glimpse of the national hero and honoured him with love and respect.
He noted that the Sindh government has announced a reward of Rs50 million while Governor House has collected Rs100 million for him.
Previously, the Sindh governor had announced Rs20 million, a plot of land, and iPhone 15 for Arshad Nadeem over his record-breaking victory in Olympics.
Earlier, Arshad Nadeem arrived at Governor House on Wednesday night and attended Independence Day programme. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori accorded him warm welcome on his arrival.
Renowned singer Atif Aslam performed in front of over 100,000 people present in the programme.
Governor Tessori gave title of ‘Lion of Pakistan’ to Olympian Arshad Nadeem on his unprecedented achievement at Paris Olympics.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that as per his commitment, singer Atif Aslam and Olympian Arshad Nadeem were here to celebrate Independence Day with Karachiites.
The governor said he will recommend Sitara-e-Imtiaz to be awarded to the mother of Arshad Nadeem and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his coach Salman Butt.
On this occasion, Arshad Nadeem said that he was grateful to the Sindh governor for his warm welcome and cannot express his gratitude in words.
MQM leader and MNA Dr Farooq Sattar and other personalities were also present on the occasion.
Later on, singer Atif Aslam performed and received applauds from the audiences.