Following the viral video on social media, fans scrutinized the Pakistani businessman.
First Published Aug 13, 2024, 2:31 PM IST | Last Updated Aug 13, 2024, 3:00 PM IST
Karachi: A Pakistani businessman has faced criticism for announcing that he will gift a Suzuki Alto car to Arshad Nadeem, who secured an Olympic gold medal by defeating India’s Neeraj Chopra at the Paris Olympics. Pakistani activist Syed Zafar Jafri stated in a video that the Alto car was a gift from Ali Sheikhani, a businessman of Pakistani descent based in America.
As the video circulated widely on social media, the businessman found himself under scrutiny from fans. Many questioned whether the Alto car, priced at 700,000 rupees in India and 2.33 million rupees in Pakistan, was an appropriate gift for an Olympic champion. Fans are urging Ali Sheikhani to consider sponsoring Arshad’s nutritionist, coach, or technical staff instead of offering such a modest gift. One fan commented that Arshad would likely need to modify the Alto’s roof just to fit inside. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister presented Arshad with a Honda Civic during a reception held by the Punjab government today.
In addition to 100 million PKR, Arshad Nadeem also received the keys to a brand new Honda Civic with the registration number PAK-9297 from CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz 🔥😍 pic.twitter.com/KpAX1lTMP0
— iffi (@iffiViews) August 13, 2024
Recently, Arshad Nadeem’s wife Ayesha received a buffalo as a gift from her father, garnering media attention. Arshad’s wife and his father, Muhammad Nawaz, gifted the buffalo to the Olympic champion. Nawaz commented that gifting a buffalo is a significant honor in their community.
In the final, Arshad claimed gold with an Olympic record throw of 92.97 meters, surpassing India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, who finished second with a throw of 89.45 meters. Arshad received a grand welcome upon arriving in Pakistan yesterday, where he was greeted with a water salute at Lahore airport. Despite the early morning hour, thousands of fans gathered at the airport to welcome Arshad.
Arshad Nadeem has made Pakistan proud by winning the Gold medal, and to celebrate this amazing achievement, @AliSheikhani01 has announced a new Alto car as a gift for him. We are all truly proud of you, Arshad Nadeem! pic.twitter.com/EKRjgQPGWt
— Shaher Bano (@ItsSheherBano) August 9, 2024
Here are some color options for Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadOlympian1) to choose from for his 800cc Suzuki Alto that a Pakistani-American billionaire and Texas police officer, Ali Sheikhani (@AliSheikhani01), intends to gift him.
Well-deserved gift!👌👏#Paris2024 #Olympics #JavelinThrow #ArshadNadeem https://t.co/0SCAOasDR2 pic.twitter.com/LY5etVlAt8
— Jayanta Bhattacharya 🇮🇳 (@goldenarcher) August 12, 2024
Update: The founder of JDC Foundation, Zafar Abbas, announced a new Suzuki Alto car as a gift for Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem. This is fantastic news 🇵🇰❤️❤️❤️#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/xNzfPLRoXB
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 12, 2024
Although the Suzuki Alto may seem like a rather small car for someone of Arshad Nadeem’s stature, we should refrain from mocking the gift. This new Alto costs around 3 million PKR, a figure that Arshad could easily secure instead. Let’s always be considerate and learn to respect others ♥️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/mjLbxJa3lZ
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 12, 2024
Arshad Nadeem in an Alto 600 cc https://t.co/Mi3v4NvXtS pic.twitter.com/z0DRNbKUHu
— The Boy 🇮🇳 (@suppandiiii) August 12, 2024
And on this matter, this water cooler belongs to Ali Sheikhani. #Arshad_Nadeem https://t.co/IWa53OzTWZ pic.twitter.com/pLQ9irFO9O
— Atika Mirza (@atika_mirza) August 12, 2024
— Gurpreet singh gill (@IGsgill) August 12, 2024
Controversial Gift: Pakistani Businessman Faces Backlash Over Suzuki Alto for Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem
As the news of businessman Ali Sheikhani gifting a Suzuki Alto car to Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem goes viral, netizens express their mixed reactions, leading to a widespread discussion on social media.
The Viral Moment
Following Arshad Nadeem’s monumental victory at the Paris Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal in javelin throw by surpassing India’s Neeraj Chopra, Pakistani businessman Ali Sheikhani made headlines for announcing a Suzuki Alto as a gift to the Olympic champion. This announcement quickly gained traction on social media, sparking fervent debate among fans and analysts alike.
Criticism and Reactions
Many fans reacted negatively, questioning the value of the gift in relation to Nadeem’s extraordinary achievement. The Suzuki Alto, priced at approximately 7 lakh rupees in India and around 23.31 lakh in Pakistan, is considered an entry-level vehicle, leading to concerns about whether it was an appropriate award for someone who has brought pride to their nation.
- Fan Comments: Social media is rife with comments suggesting that instead of the car, Sheikhani should consider funding Nadeem’s training expenses, nutritional support, or coaching staff.
- Humorous Takes: Some users humorously noted that due to Nadeem’s stature, he might literally struggle to fit into an Alto, emphasizing the gift’s inadequacy.
- Comparative Gifts: Arshad Nadeem reportedly received a Honda Civic from the Chief Minister of Punjab, further fueling the argument that a Suzuki Alto pales in comparison.
In addition to 100 million PKR, Arshad Nadeem also received the keys to a brand new Honda Civic with the registration number PAK-9297 from the CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz 🔥😍 pic.twitter.com/KpAX1lTMP0
— iffi (@iffiViews) August 13, 2024
A Range of Gifts for Nadeem
Interestingly, Nadeem’s family has also participated in expressing love through unique gifts. Recently, reports surfaced of his wife’s father presenting a buffalo to Nadeem as a traditional gesture of congratulations. This act is regarded as a significant honor in many local cultures.
These various gifts highlight how athletes are celebrated in Pakistan, with Nadeem symbolizing national pride and inspiring a new generation of sports enthusiasts.
Social Media Outcry
The road to critique for Sheikhani was paved by avid fans and social media communities. Various public figures commented on the appropriateness of such a modest gift for someone who has achieved Olympic glory.
While Suzuki Alto seems like a significantly small car for a big man like Arshad Nadeem, we shouldn’t make fun of someone’s gift. This new Alto costs around 3 Million PKR and Arshad could easily get that amount instead. Always be considerate, learn to respect others ♥️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/mjLbxJa3lZ
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 12, 2024
Perceptions on Sports Celebrations in Pakistan
In Pakistan, gifts are often a symbolic representation of respect and appreciation within the culture. The nature of gifts given to athletes can vary widely based on the regional traditions and the recognition of achievements.
Despite this controversy surrounding Sheikhani’s gift, it reflects a broader question regarding how society values athletic achievements. Factors such as sponsorship, financial aid for training, and better facilities are increasingly being scrutinized as essential in contributing to an athlete’s success.
Options for Better Support
As discussions continue about what is considered an appropriate reward for Olympians, here are some suggestions that advocates propose:
- Financial Sponsorship: Instead of gifting material items, financial support for training programs, travel expenses, and equipment could help athletes achieve their best.
- Health and Diet Support: Investing in nutritionists and personal trainers would further the performance of athletes like Nadeem, contributing to their ongoing success.
- Long-Term Partnerships: Establishing longer-lasting support contracts with athletes can create an environment for continuous development and achievement.
Conclusion: A Reflection of National Pride
Arshad Nadeem’s victory marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s sporting history, illustrating how far dedication and training can propel an athlete even against fierce competition. The diverse reactions surrounding the Suzuki Alto gift reflect public sentiments about what constitutes an appropriate reward and support for champions. As the nation continues to rally behind its heroes, discussions about better systems to honor and enhance athlete performance are likely to gain momentum.
To stay tuned with the latest developments, follow us on social media and participate in the conversation surrounding sports and its tributes in Pakistan.
