Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has added another prestigious honour to his rapidly growing list of achievements after being named Global Breakthrough Athlete at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award during the World Sports Summit in Dubai.
The two-day summit, held on December 29 and 30, brought together more than 1,500 athletes, sports administrators, policymakers, and global stakeholders under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sport.” The event focused on shaping the future of global sports through collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
Nadeem’s recognition comes on the back of his historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal with a stunning throw of 92.97 metres. The record-breaking effort not only crowned him Olympic champion but also ended Pakistan’s four-decade-long wait for an Olympic gold medal, making the moment one of the most celebrated milestones in the country’s sporting history.
The award was presented by Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting the global recognition of Nadeem’s achievement and its wider impact beyond the athletics field.
Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem gets the Global Breakthrough Athlete award at the Global Sports Summit in Dubai.
The prestigious honour was presented by Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of the Ruler of Dubai.
A proud and historic moment on the world… pic.twitter.com/v9XtgSYw8P
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) December 29, 2025
Reacting to the honour, Nadeem described the award as a moment of immense pride and gratitude. In a message shared on social media, he thanked the Dubai Sports Council for the invitation and warm hospitality, while also acknowledging the prayers and unwavering support he has received throughout his journey.
He noted that such international recognition serves as motivation not only for himself but also for young athletes back home, expressing hope that his success will inspire the next generation to pursue sports professionally in Pakistan. Nadeem concluded by saying he felt proud to represent Pakistan on the global stage and to carry the country’s flag at such a prestigious international forum.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award honours athletes and organisations whose performances and contributions leave a lasting impact on the world of sports.
