The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has honoured Rizwan Aftab Ahmed in recognition of his contributions to the development and welfare of athletes in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday.
Rizwan has emerged over the years as a committed supporter of Pakistani athletes, providing financial, medical and nutritional assistance aimed at improving performance at elite levels. His support has been particularly notable in the case of Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, whom he assisted both in Pakistan and during training and medical engagements in England.
POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood praised Rizwan’s role in promoting sport in the country.
“We are truly grateful to Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for his continued support to sports and sportsmen,” he said. “His contributions, particularly towards Olympian Arshad Nadeem and many other elite-level athletes, both in Pakistan and internationally, reflect his deep love for the country and its sporting future.”
The POA presented Rizwan with its highest trophy shield in recognition of his services and commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s sporting ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Rizwan expressed gratitude for the honour, calling it a source of motivation to continue working for the betterment of athletes.
He reflected on his family’s legacy of public service, noting that his maternal great-grandfather, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, served alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah and held key ministerial portfolios, including food, agriculture and health. He also served as president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
Rizwan’s grandfather, Iftikhar Ahmed Shah, represented Pakistan in swimming at the 1948 London Olympics, while his father, Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed, is recognised as a pioneer of orthopaedic surgery in Pakistan.
Rizwan said his contribution to Arshad Nadeem’s journey was modest, crediting the athlete’s hard work, family support, and the guidance of coach Salman Butt, along with others who contributed to his development. He also acknowledged Dr. Ali Bajwa for supporting Nadeem’s recovery from injury ahead of his Olympic success.
Reaffirming his commitment to Pakistani sports, Rizwan said he would continue supporting athletes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assistance including medical care, nutrition and financial backing.
He added that as CEO of ACTIVIT and Director of National Hospital DHA Lahore, medical facilities would remain available to the POA and its athletes.
“I wish to see Pakistani athletes achieve great success at the Olympic Games,” he said. “It will always be my honour and privilege to serve Pakistan’s athletes and help the nation achieve glory on the world stage.”