South Asian Games gold medalist Arshad Nadeem meets CM Punjab

Arshad Nadeem, a resident of Mian Chunnu, who set a new record in javelin throw in the recent South Asian Games 2019 called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, here Friday and expressed his resolve to get a medal in 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The 22-year-old athlete Arshad Nadeem would participate at the Tokyo Olympics following his qualifying throw of 86.29m in the South Asian Games held at Kathmandu.

The chief minister congratulated Arshad Nadeem for setting a new record and for qualifying Tokyo Olympics. He also gave cheque of Rs 0.5 million to Arshad Nadeem. Usman Buzdar said that Arshad Nadeem by winning gold medal in South Asian Games bring laurel home. "Such players are asset of the country and the Punjab government will continue to support talented players," he said.

Provincial Minister for sports Taimur Bhatti, DG Punjab Sports Board, parents of Arshad Nadeem, brother and minor daughter were also present on this occasion. Arshad Nadeem said, "I had initially planned to qualify in the World Athletics Championship, however, I was not fit, so I planned for the South Asian Games which not only fulfilled my aim but I also set broke a record."

To a question, Arshad said that the Athletics Federation of Pakistan would send him to China for training for two months as a part of preparations for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Arshad Nadeem, however, expressed his disappointment that cricketers get recognition. "Cricket should be given attention but 10 to 20-percent of the funding should also be given to other sports so that athletes can compete in major events," he said.