“Is this a joke?” Fans react to Arshad Nadeem being given a Suzuki Alto after winning Olympic gold in Paris

Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani is being trolled on social media after he announced a Suzuki Alto as a gift for Pakistani javelin thrower Arshan Nadeem, who will return to the country after winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The javelin thrower made history in France with a throw of 92.97 metres. Not only did he set an Olympic record, but he also gave Pakistan its first gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Days after the triumph, several media outlets claimed that Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani would gift the javelin star a “brand new” car for the historic feat. Pakistani activist Syed Zafar Abbas Jafri reportedly announced the news in a video. A fan has now shared the news on X and wrote: “Update: Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani has announced a brand new Suzuki Alto for Arshad Nadeem for his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. Well deserved.”

As the news went viral, numerous fans flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts. While some were happy for the sportsman, others mocked the businessman for making a “cheap” offer to Nadeem. One user wrote, “This is an insult… he deserves BMW or Audi.” One couldn’t believe the news and asked, “Is this a joke or something?” A netizen said, “Alto??? Why? Couldn’t you find anything cheaper?!? It’s your first gold! Get something worth it!” Another agreed, writing, “Alto? Are you serious? Shame on you!” Another said, “This is definitely an insult to him.” “This is a very cheap and insulting joke for a gold winner like him… How can you be so happy about this?” added a user.

The Suzuki Alto will not be the first gift that Arshad Nadeem will receive after his gold win at the Paris Games. His father-in-law Muhammad Nawaz has honoured the 27-year-old by gifting him a buffalo after his triumph in France. This unique gift is considered ‘honourable’ in their culture. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab state Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and the Chief Minister of Sindh have rewarded Arshad Nadeem with PKR 100 million, PKR 2 million and PKR 50 million respectively.

Arshad Nadeem hails from Khanewal town in Pakistan’s Punjab and was born into a poor family of eight children. In a post on X, he spoke about his victory at the Paris Olympics and said, “This gold medal is a gift from me to the entire nation on Independence Day (on August 14).”