POA honours Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for support to Pakistan’s athletes

The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has honoured Rizwan Aftab Ahmed in recognition of his contributions to the development and welfare of athletes in Pakistan, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.

The award was presented in Lahore, where the POA acknowledged Ahmed's continued financial, medical and nutritional support to athletes aimed at improving performance standards in the country.

Rizwan has been particularly noted for his support to Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, assisting him during training and medical engagements both in Pakistan and abroad, including the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the ceremony, POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood praised Rizwan’s services, saying his efforts reflected a strong commitment to the promotion of sport in Pakistan and the welfare of elite athletes.

In recognition of his contributions, the POA presented him with its highest trophy shield, acknowledging his role in strengthening the country’s sporting ecosystem.

Rizwan, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the honour and said it would further motivate him to continue supporting athletes.

He also reflected on his family’s legacy of public service, citing his maternal great-grandfather, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, a former minister who worked alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and his grandfather, Iftikhar Ahmed Shah, who represented Pakistan in swimming at the 1948 London Olympics.

His father, Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed, is also recognised for pioneering orthopaedic surgery in Pakistan.

Rizwan said his involvement in Arshad Nadeem’s success was limited, attributing the athlete’s achievements to hard work, parental support, and coaching guidance from Salman Butt, along with contributions from other supporters including his cousin, Dr. Ali Bajwa, during Nadeem’s injury recovery phase.