- Arshad Nadeem: The President of Pakistan has given Arshad Nadeem an award for winning the gold medal in the Olympics, which India has not yet given to Neeraj Chopra for winning 2 Olympic medals.
Source : Olympics
Arshad Nadeem Pakistan Highest Civilian Award:
It has been almost 3 weeks since the Paris Olympics 2024 ended, but Arshad Nadeem, who won a gold medal for Pakistan in javelin throw, has not stopped receiving awards. Now he was honored at the President House of Pakistan, where this Olympic star has been awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz, i.e. Pakistan’s second highest civilian award. On August 13, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had announced the award of Hilal-e-Imtiaz to Arshad.
The award ceremony was organized at the President House of Pakistan in Islamabad, where Arshad Nadeem was given the second highest civilian award by the country’s President Asif Ali Zardari. Let us remind you that Arshad not only won the gold medal by throwing the javelin 92.97 meters away but also broke the Olympic record in javelin throw. With this victory, he also ended Pakistan’s drought of winning gold medals that lasted for about 4 decades.
There has been a shower of lots of gifts
Let us tell you that after Arshad Nadeem’s historic victory on 8 August, he has been showered with gifts. Even PM Shahbaz Sharif arranged a dinner for Nadeem at the Prime Minister’s residence to celebrate his gold medal win and apart from this, he also announced a reward of Rs 15 crore in Pakistani currency.
In view of the preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Prime Minister has also announced the opening of a training center inside the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, which will be named ‘Arshad Nadeem’. Apart from this, Nadeem’s real lottery came out when Punjab province Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz gifted Nadeem Rs 10 crore in Pakistani currency and a Honda Civic car.
In the world of athletics, few names shine as brightly as Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem. Both javelin throwers have brought glory to their respective nations, India and Pakistan, with their remarkable performances on the global stage. However, their journeys and the recognition they have received highlight stark differences in how sports heroes are celebrated in their own countries.
Neeraj Chopra: A Champion’s Journey
Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy, became a household name after winning the gold medal in javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His victory was a historic moment for India, as it marked the country’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics. Chopra’s triumph inspired millions, and he quickly became a symbol of national pride.
However, despite his monumental achievements, Neeraj Chopra’s journey has not been without challenges. Like many athletes in India, Chopra has had to navigate a system that often struggles to provide adequate support and recognition to its sports stars. While his Olympic success brought him a surge of accolades and rewards, the road leading up to it was fraught with difficulties. From limited training facilities to inadequate financial support, Chopra, like many Indian athletes, had to rely heavily on personal determination and the support of a few dedicated coaches and sponsors.
Arshad Nadeem: A Hero’s Recognition in Pakistan
On the other side of the border, Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s premier javelin thrower, has been making waves with his performances. Nadeem, who finished fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and later won gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 and the Asian Games 2023, has become a source of immense pride for Pakistan.
Recognizing his contributions to the nation’s sporting legacy, the President of Pakistan awarded Arshad Nadeem one of the country’s highest civilian honors. This recognition is not just a personal achievement for Nadeem but a significant moment for Pakistan, which has been striving to produce world-class athletes in various sports.
A Tale of Two Nations: Contrasting Approaches to Sporting Excellence
The differing experiences of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem underscore a broader issue in the way countries recognize and support their athletes. In India, despite a rich history of sports and a growing focus on athletics, there remains a disconnect between the achievements of athletes and the support they receive from the system. While Chopra has finally begun to receive the recognition he deserves, his journey reveals the gaps that still exist in nurturing and celebrating sporting talent in India.
In contrast, Pakistan’s recognition of Arshad Nadeem, with one of the highest civilian honors, reflects a more immediate and visible appreciation of athletic excellence. It sends a message that the country values its sports stars and is willing to honor them at the highest levels. This recognition not only boosts the morale of the athlete but also inspires a new generation to pursue sports with the belief that their achievements will be acknowledged.
The Need for Change in India
Neeraj Chopra’s story is a reminder that India needs to do more to support its athletes. While his Olympic success brought him into the limelight, it is essential to remember that many other athletes continue to struggle in obscurity, without the necessary resources or recognition. For India to truly become a sporting powerhouse, there needs to be a systemic change in how athletes are nurtured, supported, and celebrated.
Government initiatives, corporate sponsorships, and a more robust sports infrastructure are crucial, but equally important is the cultural shift towards valuing sports beyond cricket. Athletes like Neeraj Chopra deserve to be recognized not just when they win gold, but throughout their journey, with the same respect and honor that Arshad Nadeem has received in Pakistan.
Conclusion: Celebrating Our Heroes
As we celebrate the achievements of Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem, it is also a moment to reflect on how we, as nations, treat our sports heroes. Recognition and support should not be afterthoughts but integral parts of an athlete’s journey. Neeraj Chopra’s struggles and Arshad Nadeem’s recognition serve as lessons for all of us. By ensuring that our champions are supported and celebrated, we not only honor their hard work but also inspire future generations to aim for greatness.
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