Arshad Nadeem to get a buffalo as gift from father-in-law after Paris Olympics 2024 heroics
In a heartwarming gesture, Arshad Nadeem's father-in-law, Muhammad Nawaz, will gift the athlete a buffalo. The special present for Arshad is a token of appreciation after the javelin thrower's gold medal triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Arshad registered an Olympic world record throw of 92.97m to clinch the gold in the men's javelin throw finals. The 27-year-old is married to Muhammad Nawaz's youngest daughter, Ayesha.
According to Nawaz, gifting a buffalo in their culture is seen as 'honorable' and 'very valuable'. In an interaction with local media, he expressed that gifting a buffalo to Nadeem is apt as the athlete is deeply connected to his roots.
"Nadeem also takes great pride in his roots and despite the success, his home still remains his village and he still lives with his parents and brothers," said Nawaz (via Firstpost).
The proud father-in-law also shared Arshad's journey, from doing odd jobs six years back to now being celebrated as an athlete on the world stage.
“When we decided to marry our daughter to Nadeem six years back, at that time, he used to do small jobs and run errands but was extremely passionate about his sport and constantly practised throwing the javelin at home and in the fields,” he added.
Hailing from the Khanewal village in Pakistan's Punjab, Arshad and his wife, Ayesha, are parents to two sons and a daughter. Despite his enormous international success, Nadeem continues to live with his family in the same village.
Arshad Nadeem gets a grand welcome on return to Pakistan from Paris Olympics 2024
Arshad Nadeem has been showered with love and praise after returning to Pakistan. The star athlete landed in Lahore on August 11 and was greeted with garlands, a water canon salute and cheers from thousands of people.
Arshad has brought Pakistan its first-ever individual Olympic gold medal. On August 10, President Asif Ali Zardari announced the decision to bestow Arshad with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's second-highest civilian award.
Arshad Nadeem will also receive over PKR 150 million (around ₹4.5 crore) in cash rewards for his recent accomplishment in Paris.