(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Sports Board Announces Major Cash Prizes for Top Athletes, Led by Arshad Nadeem
In a positive development for the country’s sporting community, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has announced substantial cash rewards for outstanding athletes, with star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem receiving top honors.
Arshad, who has become a household name in Pakistani athletics, will be awarded Rs2 million in recognition of his medal-winning performance at the Asian Athletics Championship. The move is seen as a significant step towards promoting and investing in sports beyond cricket.
Support for a National Hero
In addition to Arshad Nadeem’s personal award, the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) has received Rs10 million to aid his training and preparation for international competitions. These funds are expected to support everything from coaching to overseas training camps, giving Arshad a much-needed boost as he prepares for future global events.
His coach, Salman Butt, who has played a key role in Arshad’s development, has also been recognized with a cash prize of Rs600,000.
Recognition Beyond Athletics
The PSB’s rewards weren’t limited to track and field. Athletes in cue sports were also celebrated:
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Muhammad Asif and Ahsan Ramzan, both leading snooker players, received Rs500,000 each.
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Naseem Akhtar, a former world champion, was awarded Rs100,000.
These awards highlight the PSB’s growing commitment to a broader range of sports disciplines across the country.
Funding Across Federations
A wide array of sports federations also benefited from this round of financial support. Notable grants included:
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Alpine Club of Pakistan – Rs2.1 million
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Bodybuilding Federation of Pakistan – Rs2.5 million
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Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Wrestling, and Kabaddi Federations – Between Rs1 million and Rs3 million each
Other sports like rugby, squash, table tennis, and winter sports also received financial allocations aimed at addressing long-standing resource gaps.
A Promising Step Forward
With several international competitions on the horizon, this funding arrives at a crucial time. Athletes and sports officials have long urged for early and structured financial support to help with training, logistics, and international exposure.
While Arshad Nadeem’s recognition leads the headlines, the larger message from the PSB’s funding initiative is one of long-term planning and inclusive development. There appears to be a growing shift toward building a more sustainable sports ecosystem in Pakistan.
