“It was the most joyful moment in my life… tears flew down my cheeks, and I bowed to Allah right there.”
Naseem Hameed
These are the words of a triumphant, Naseem Hameed, the Pakistani Muslim athlete who became the pride of her nation when she won gold in the 100m sprint at the 11th South Asian Games in Bangladesh, in February 2010.
Running to Make History
Naseem not only won the race, but also set a new South Asian record with 11.81 seconds, making her the fastest woman in South Asia. To top it all off, she also became became the first ever woman gold medalist in the 62-year history of Pakistan.
“I have no words to be thankful to Allah. It is just because of His grace and the prayers of my parents, that I have achieved this all,” she said in an article in IslamOnline.net.
Victory Through Dedication and Faith
This inspirational female athlete is a devout Muslim turned national celebrity. Her story is one of rags to riches and fame through dedication and faith.
A massive crowd gathered at the Quad-I-Azam International airport to welcome Naseem home from Bangladesh chanting: “Long live Naseem Hameed” and “Welcome sprint queen.”
The rally lasted hours as the heroine made her way home from the airport to her tiny house in a low-income area of Karachi, where her proud family was anxiously waiting to welcome her.
Gifts Galore for the Golden Girl
Pakistani President Asif Zardari hosted a reception in Naseem’s honor and awarded her Rs 1 million ($12,000). Cash rewards worth million of rupees and a house have also been bestowed by the Pakistani provincial government, state-owned corporations, private businessmen and the army.
“It is only because of Allah that I have got wealth and fame together.” – was her humble response to the showering gifts that rained down on her.
Alongside her faith, Naseem also believes her family has made her what she is today: a symbol of faith and hope for Pakistan:
“My father is a laborer with asthma. He worked so hard for us, and my mother equally supported him by making paper envelopes at home. It’s they who should actually be credited for whatever I am,” the Muslim girl said humbly.
Nearly 2000 athletes from 8 countries competed in 23 different sports in the 11th South Asian Games from January 29th to February 8th. India won 175 medals, including 90 gold medals, followed by Pakistan and host Bangladesh.
Out of true respect to her Muslim values, Naseem the sprint queen ran the 100-meter race in full dress: wearing a green shirt and white trousers to emulate the colours of the Pakistani flag.
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