LAHORE: Arshad Nadeem, the javelin thrower who set a new Olympic record with a 92.97-meter throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, returned to Pakistan as a national hero.
He was greeted by a massive crowd of ecstatic fans at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport in the early hours of Sunday.
His record-breaking performance not only earned him a gold medal but also ended a 118-year-old Olympic record, making him the first Pakistani to clinch an individual gold medal in the field and track category at the Olympics.
Upon his arrival, Nadeem’s flight was honored with a water cannon salute, and he was escorted to the State Lounge, where he was warmly received by federal and provincial ministers, government officials, and his family.
Among those who greeted him were Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, and other prominent figures like Khawaja Saad Rafique and Azma Bokhari. Representatives from various sports bodies, including the Pakistan Athletic Federation and the Punjab Sports Board, were also present to celebrate the athlete’s extraordinary achievement.
The atmosphere at the airport was electric, with thousands of people, including youth, children, and the elderly, gathered to welcome their hero. The crowd, waving banners and dancing to drumbeats, chanted patriotic slogans like “Pakistan Zinda Abad” as they celebrated Nadeem’s success. The airport was adorned with welcoming banners, and a police band played patriotic tunes to honor the athlete who had brought glory to Pakistan after 32 long years.
Special security measures were in place due to the large crowd, but the excitement was palpable as people jostled to catch a glimpse of Nadeem. Despite the late hour, the athlete was paraded through the streets of Lahore on a double-decker bus, accompanied by his family, coach Salman Butt, and Pakistan Sports Board officials. The streets were lined with fans who cheered for Nadeem, celebrating his remarkable achievement deep into the night.
In recognition of his historic feat, President Asif Ali Zardari directed that Nadeem be awarded the civil honor of ‘Hilal e Imtiaz’. Additionally, the government issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring images of Minar e Pakistan and Arshad Nadeem to mark both the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan and his Olympic triumph.
Speaking to television channel at the airport, Nadeem expressed his gratitude to his coaches, the Pakistan Sports Board, Punjab Sports Board, and his department, WAPDA, for their support. He also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and the millions of Pakistanis who prayed for his success. His words reflected the humility and dedication of a true champion who overcame personal struggles to achieve greatness on the world stage.
