LAHORE: Pakistan’s ace javelin thrower and Commonwealth Games gold-medalist Arshad Nadeem urged the government to furnish a dedicated athletics ground for the local players and expressed hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would take steps for the betterment of athletic sports in the country.

While speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday, Arshad stated that his counterpart Neeraj Chopra had been given the best facilities in his country and expressed hope that he too would get the due support.

“India’s Neeraj Chopra is getting the best facilities right now, I hope that everyone will support me too,” he said.

Arshad revealed that he was currently working on his injury and would undergo vigorous training before the Paris Olympics 2024.

“I’ll prepare well for the Olympics 2024. I’m working on my injury and the athletics federation has supported me tremendously for that. Doctors have also done a great job for my recovery’ he said.

While commenting on his meeting with PM Shehbaz tomorrow, the 25-year-old athlete expressed optimism that the premier would take measures for the advancement of athletics in the country.

Furthermore, Arshad hailed the Water and Power Development Authority (WAP­DA) for extending financial support to the national athletes and asked the government to provide a dedicated athletics ground.

“WAPDA is the biggest players’ support platform in our country. I wish that the private sector too will continue to promote our local players and we will achieve more success in the future by working together” he said. ” The government should provide us with an athletics ground,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that Arshad created history in the Commonwealth Games 2022 for Pakistan as he clinched a gold medal in the javelin with his record throw of 90.18 meters. He also won gold in the Islamic Solidarity Game held in Konyo, Turkey.

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