Lahore: In a significant recognition of athletic talent, Yasir Sultan, a prominent javelin thrower from the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), was awarded Rs. 500,000 by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Shabbir Ahmed Usmani. The award ceremony, held on September 11, 2024, at the Prime Minister’s office in Islamabad, was in acknowledgment of Sultan’s upcoming participation in a competition in India and his overall contributions to sports in Pakistan.

According to National Transmission and Despatch Company announcement issued on 11 September 2024, the cash prize is intended to support and encourage Sultan as he prepares for the competition scheduled in the first week of October. During the event, Sultan also had the opportunity to meet with Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.

The Prime Minister’s Coordinator, Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting young athletes like Sultan who elevate the nation’s stature through their achievements in sports. Sultan, in return, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Usmani, and Khan for their continuous support. He reiterated his resolve to achieve success in the upcoming competition and to bring glory to Pakistan, drawing inspiration from Arshad Nadeem, a national hero in javelin throw.

The recognition of Yasir Sultan highlights the ongoing efforts by the Pakistani government to nurture and promote sports talents within the country, ensuring they have the necessary support to compete and excel at international levels.