The federal government has proposed the establishment of a state-of-the-art sports academy named after Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem to promote athletics in Pakistan.
According to official budget documents for the fiscal year 2025-26, the academy will be built at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad following the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
An initial amount of Rs 300 million has been allocated for the project’s development phase, while the total estimated cost of the project is pegged at Rs 2.85 billion.
Arshad Nadeem, who brought global recognition to Pakistan with his stellar performances in javelin throw, including a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a notable finish at the Tokyo Olympics, has become an icon of sporting achievement in the country.
The proposed academy aims to serve as a breeding ground for future champions, inspired by his journey.
The academy will feature cutting-edge training facilities, athlete accommodation, fitness and rehabilitation centers, and coaching by national and international experts.
This initiative is expected not only to bolster the country’s representation in international competitions but also to elevate the standards of sports science and coaching in Pakistan.
Repoer: Wasaq Azeem