Pakistani-American entrepreneur blasted for announcing Maruti Alto gift for gold medalist Arshad Nadeem

The backlash highlighted the disparity between the symbolic nature of the gift and the expectations of Arshad Nadeem’s supporters.

Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani has come under scrutiny on social media after announcing he would present a Suzuki Alto to Arshad Nadeem, the Pakistani javelin thrower who secured gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This gesture followed Nadeem’s historic victory, which marked Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in athletics and its first gold medal since 1984.

Arshad Nadeem made headlines on August 1 with a record-breaking 92.97-metre javelin throw, overcoming India’s Neeraj Chopra to claim the top spot. Nadeem's triumph was a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it was the country’s first Olympic medal in athletics and its first since the 1992 Barcelona Games.

In a video posted by Pakistani activist Syed Zafar Abbas Jafri, Sheikhani’s planned gift of a Suzuki Alto, valued at approximately Rs 7 lakh (Pakistani Rupees Rs 23.31 lakh), was revealed. The decision has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where many have questioned the suitability and value of the gift.

Update: Pakistani-American businessman Ali Sheikhani has announced a brand new Suzuki Alto car for Arshad Nadeem for winning Gold medal in Paris Olympics. Well deserved#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/ByTaxWUbnn

— August 12, 2024

“Alto??? Why? Could not find anything cheaper?!? It is your first Gold! Get something worthy of it!” a user questioned on X. Another user, expressing scepticism, said, “Well-done Ali Sheikhani...please make Alto Convertible, I am 6’1” and my head hits the roof of the Alto.”

"Alto? Are you serious? Shame on you!" another user remarked. A user added, "Gazab gareeb desh! The best athlete ever of this nation and he is awarded with an alto where the athlete himself will find it uncomfortable to sit in."

The backlash highlighted the disparity between the symbolic nature of the gift and the expectations of Nadeem’s supporters, some of whom believed he deserved a more substantial reward. “This is an insult...he deserves BMW or Audi,” one user stated.

Nadeem, who hails from a modest background in Khanewal, Punjab, has previously spoken about the difficulties faced by athletes in Pakistan due to limited resources. He expressed his Olympic victory as a gift to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day, which falls on August 14.