A controversy has arisen in Pakistan’s sports community surrounding a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to honor Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem. Several former hockey Olympians have publicly voiced their frustration, claiming that their invitations to the event were rescinded at the last moment due to “guest management” issues.
Rao Saleem Nazim, a former Olympian and head of the former Pakistan hockey players forum, disclosed that many hockey veterans had received invitations and email confirmations from the Prime Minister’s House. “The PM House had sent invitations to several hockey stalwarts to attend the function and they all got emails confirming their invitations. But at the last moment many of us got a message from the PM secretariat that since they were finding it difficult to adjust the number of guests, the invitations had been withdrawn,” Rao said.
This sudden withdrawal has provoked anger among the affected athletes, who view it as a sign of disrespect toward their contributions to Pakistan’s sports history. Rao criticized the decision, questioning the appropriateness of honoring an Olympic gold medalist while excluding those who have won multiple Olympic medals for the country in hockey. “Is this how you show respect to players who have brought not one but several Olympic medals in hockey for the country?” he added.
He also pointed out the contrast by referencing Pakistan’s last Olympic gold medal, achieved by the national hockey team in 1983, and the bronze medal won in 1992, marking the country’s last Summer Games medal. The incident has sparked a debate about the treatment of former athletes and the perceived hierarchy in Pakistani sports. While Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable achievement is worthy of celebration, the controversy highlights the need for sensitivity and inclusivity in recognizing sporting accomplishments, especially in a nation where hockey’s prominence has waned.