WAPDA Awards Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Rs5 Million for His Achievements
| Also recognises Nooh Butt and Sohail Sisters with Rs200,000 each for their international achievements
WAPDA Honors Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem with Rs5 Million Award
LAHORE – WAPDA Awards Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Rs5 Million for His Achievements On Wednesday, WAPDA Chairman Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), who also serves as Patron-in-Chief of the WAPDA Sports Board (WSB), presented a cash award of Rs5 million to Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem at a grand ceremony held at WAPDA Auditorium, WAPDA House.
The ceremony, attended by a large number of distinguished WAPDA sportspersons, including Member (Finance), Member (Water), Member (Power), Secretary WAPDA/GM (Admin), and the President of the WAPDA Sports Board, also recognized other notable achievements. Nooh Dastagir received Rs200,000 for his gold medal in the Strongman Games 2024 in Uzbekistan. The Sohail sisters—Sybil, Veronika, and Twinkle—were awarded Rs200,000 each for their gold medals at the Classic Powerlifting Championship 2024 in South Africa.
Chairman WAPDA Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) congratulated Arshad Nadeem for his groundbreaking achievement as Pakistan’s first Olympic gold medallist in athletics, stating: “Arshad Nadeem has made the nation proud. Sports are integral to national pride, and WAPDA has significantly contributed to the promotion of sports in Pakistan for over fifty years. Our sportspersons have won 44 gold, 15 silver, and 22 bronze medals in international events over the past two years, showcasing our commitment to excellence.”
During the ceremony, Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude to the WAPDA Sports Board for the honor and support throughout his career. He shared his journey from humble beginnings, with his father working as a mason, to achieving international success in javelin throw. Nadeem recalled his breakthrough in 2015 at the Pakistani National Athletics Championships, his record-setting performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and his historic gold medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a throw of 92.97 meters. “My journey is not just about personal success but about inspiring future generations in Pakistan,” Nadeem concluded.
The ceremony also acknowledged the Sohail sisters, who won 15 gold medals at the Asian Pacific African Combined Powerlifting Championship in South Africa. Their exceptional performance was celebrated, and it was noted that they are entitled to Grade 18 positions within their parent department as per WAPDA regulations. The sisters expressed their commitment to continuing their success and bringing more accolades to Pakistan.
WAPDA remains the largest employer of sportspersons in Pakistan, with approximately 1,900 players and sports officials across 66 teams (36 men’s and 30 women’s). Currently, WAPDA holds the national championship title in 36 sports and is the runner-up in 21.
