Arshad Nadeem reacted humorously to his father-in-law’s buffalo gift, saying it was a unique but appreciated gesture. In addition, he was showered with Rs 250 million in prize money and a new Honda Civic by various dignitaries.
New Delhi: Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, gave a fascinating account of how his father-in-law gifted him a buffalo in honour of his historic achievement. Nadeem made headlines at the Paris Olympics when he won gold in the men’s javelin with a throw of 92.97 metres. In their village, where traditions are held in high regard, the buffalo is considered a “very valuable” and “honourable” gift, reflecting the cultural appreciation for such a gesture.
Nadeem, who hails from rural Khanewal in Punjab, was asked about the unique gift in a recent interview. The Olympic gold medalist responded humorously, “She was the one who told me and I said ‘buffalo’? He could have given me five acres of land. But then I said, OK, fine, he gave me a buffalo, that’s nice too,” Nadeem told ARY News.
Arshad Nadeem’s reaction when his father gifted him a buffalo after winning the gold medal 😂😂😂
He wanted a 5-6 acre plot from his father-in-law and not a buffalo. Man, he is so simple 😭❤️ #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/EzRv68GyAl
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) 16 August 2024
Nadeem also revealed that his wife came to know about the buffalo gift through media reports, which gave the story an unexpected twist.
“She came to know about it through some interviews and came to me and told me about it. I said, ‘A buffalo? By the grace of God, he is so rich and has given a buffalo?'” Nadeem added.
The Olympic champion has been showered with generous rewards since his victory in Paris, receiving a total of 250 million rupees ($897,000) in prize money from various government officials and private entities, including 150 million rupees ($538,000) from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Nadeem also received a brand new Honda Civic with the special number plate “PAK 92.97” from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
