Lahore: The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has honoured Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed in recognition of his significant contributions to the development and welfare of athletes in Pakistan.
Over the years, Rizwan has emerged as a committed supporter of Pakistani athletes, providing financial, medical, and nutritional assistance to help elevate their performance. His efforts have been particularly notable in the case of Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, whom he supported both in Pakistan and during training and medical engagements in England.
Speaking on the occasion, POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood praised his dedication to the promotion of sports in the country. “We are truly grateful to Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for his continued support to sports and sportsmen,” he said. “His contributions, particularly towards Olympian Arshad Nadeem and many other elite-level athletes, both in Pakistan and internationally, reflect his deep love for the country and its sporting future.”
In recognition of his services, the Pakistan Olympic Association presented him with its highest trophy shield, acknowledging his commitment to supporting athletes and strengthening Pakistan’s sporting ecosystem.
In his remarks, Rizwan expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Olympic Association for the honour, describing the recognition as a source of motivation to continue working for the betterment of athletes in the country.
Reflecting on his family’s legacy of public service, he noted that his inspiration stems from a distinguished history of national contribution. His maternal great-grandfather, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, served Pakistan alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah and held the portfolio of Minister for Food, Agriculture and Health. He also served as President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
Rizwan’s grandfather, Iftikhar Ahmed Shah, represented Pakistan in swimming at the 1948 London Summer Olympics. His father, Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed, is recognised for pioneering orthopaedic surgery in Pakistan.
Rizwan emphasised that his role in Arshad Nadeem’s journey was modest, attributing the athlete’s success primarily to his hard work, the prayers of his parents, and the guidance and support of his mentor and coach, Salman Butt, along with others who contributed to his development. He also acknowledged the contribution of his cousin, Dr. Ali Bajwa, who played an important role in supporting Arshad Nadeem’s recovery from injury prior to his Olympic gold medal triumph.
Reaffirming his commitment to Pakistani sports, Rizwan assured the Pakistan Olympic Association of his continued support for athletes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assistance, including medical care, nutrition, and financial backing.
He further announced that, as CEO of ACTIVIT and Director of National Hospital DHA Lahore, the hospital’s medical facilities would remain available to the Pakistan Olympic Association and its athletes. “I wish to see Pakistani athletes achieve great success at the Olympic Games,” he said. “It will always be my honour and privilege to serve Pakistan’s athletes and help the nation achieve glory on the world stage.”