Pakistani-American businessman trolled for Suzuki Alto gift for Arshad Nadeem: ‘An insult’
Ali Sheikhani, a Pakistani-American businessman, faced social media backlash after announcing his gift of a Suzuki Alto to javelin
edia after announcing his intention to gift a Suzuki Alto to Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem, who recently won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Arshad's victory, which saw him outthrow India's Neeraj Chopra with a record-breaking 92.97-meter javelin throw, marked a historic moment for Pakistan. It was the country's first Olympic medal in athletics and the first gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
The announcement of Sheikhani's gift has not been well-received by many. Syed Zafar Abbas Jafri, a Pakistani activist, shared in a video that Sheikhani planned to present the "brand new Alto car" to Nadeem upon his return to Pakistan. However, this gesture has sparked controversy online. Many fans and followers of Arshad Nadeem have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, criticizing Sheikhani for offering what they perceive as an inadequate gift, given the magnitude of Nadeem's achievement.
The Suzuki Alto, a compact hatchback that costs around 23.31 lakh Pakistani Rupees (approximately ₹7 lakh in Indian Rupees), is seen by many as an underwhelming reward for an athlete who brought such pride to his nation. The criticism was particularly harsh on X (formerly known as Twitter), where users questioned Sheikhani's choice, suggesting that a more meaningful contribution, such as funding Nadeem's training or providing resources for his continued success, would have been a better way to honor his accomplishments.
One user, identified as Taimoor H from Karachi, expressed his disappointment by suggesting that instead of spending money on a depreciating asset like a car, Sheikhani should consider sponsoring Nadeem's support staff, including his nutritionist and trainer, to help him achieve even greater heights in his career. Another user sarcastically suggested that Sheikhani should make the Alto convertible to accommodate Nadeem, humorously highlighting the impracticality of the car for someone of Nadeem's stature.
The debate over the appropriateness of the gift underscores the public's high expectations for how national heroes should be celebrated. While the gesture of giving a car may have been intended as a show of support, the response suggests that many believe Arshad Nadeem deserves much more in recognition of his historic achievement. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether the businessman will reconsider his choice or if the controversy will spark a broader discussion on how to properly honor and support athletes who bring glory to their nations.