Daily Times

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, on Friday hosted a ceremony at the Army Auditorium in GHQ, Rawalpindi, to honour Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s historic achievement, the military said.

The event was attended by sports teams and legendary Olympians, including members of the 1984 Olympic and National Hockey Teams, the National Cricket Team, and other notable figures, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated.

Among the attendees were Jehangir Khan, Islahuddin Siddique, Shahbaz Senior, Sohail Abbas, Muhammad Asif, and Aisamul Haq. Arshad Nadeem’s close relatives, associates, and coaches were also present.

General Munir praised Nadeem for winning Pakistan’s first-ever gold medal in a singles event and setting a new Olympic record at Paris Olympics, crediting his success to commitment, perseverance, and passion for excellence.

The army chief acknowledged Nadeem’s achievement as a source of national pride, noting that the entire nation had honoured him in a manner befitting his accomplishment.

General Munir reiterated the military’s commitment to supporting not just sportsmen but the broader Pakistani youth, emphasising the importance of youth engagement, development, and entertainment for a prosperous society.

Arshad Nadeem expressed gratitude and highlighted the potential of Pakistani youth, urging hard work, positivity, and perseverance in overcoming challenges.