The government of Pakistan has awarded cash prizes totaling Rs 206.45 million to national athletes for their achievements during the financial year 2024-25, according to documents presented in Parliament.
The details reveal that national athlete Arshad Nadeem received Rs 152 million for his performances, while coach Salman Iqbal Butt was awarded Rs 10.6 million. World Snooker Championship winner Muhammad Asif received Rs 2.5 million.
Other notable awards included Rs 0.5 million for Ahsan Ramadan, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Under-21 Snooker Championship. At the SAARC Snooker Championship, Muhammad Asif earned Rs 0.5 million for a gold medal, and Muhammad Naseem Akhtar received Rs 0.1 million for a bronze medal. Various players were given Rs 1.45 million for victories at the South Asian Regional Table Tennis Championship.
Athletes who won medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games were awarded Rs 3.05 million. National players were also given Rs 1.75 million for wins at the Asian Junior Squash Championship, while Rs 7.5 million was distributed for victories in the World Under-23 Individual Squash Championship.
Additionally, Pakistani athletes who won medals at the Asian Open World Taekwondo Championship received Rs 11.5 million in prizes.
The government said these awards are aimed at encouraging athletes and supporting sports development in the country.