Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, who made history by securing a gold medal in the javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024, was greeted with a hero’s welcome upon his arrival at Lahore Airport.
The 40-year-old athlete, who has become a national icon, was met by a large crowd that had gathered to celebrate his historic achievement.
Arshad Nadeem’s family and over 100 supporters from his hometown of Mian Channu were among those who made the journey to Lahore to witness the grand reception. The event was marked by the presence of senior government officials, including Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Mashhood, Shiza Fatima, and Uzma Bukhari, as well as national javelin thrower Yasir Sultan and Nadeem’s former coach, Fayyaz Bukhari.
Inside the airport, a special ceremony was organised to honor Nadeem’s achievement. The Punjab government announced plans to give the Olympic champion a citywide tour in a double-decker bus.
Furthermore, friends and family have gathered to cheer for the Olympic hero.
Read More: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem to receive hero’s welcome after historic Olympic
Nadeem’s journey home began in Paris, where he was also warmly received by supporters at the airport. The crowd erupted in applause, with chants of “Long live Pakistan” and “Long live Arshad Nadeem” filling the air. The Pakistani embassy in Paris provided protocol support for the athlete’s departure.
In recognition of his remarkable accomplishment, the Punjab government has announced a reward of 100 million rupees for Nadeem and pledged to establish a sports city in his name. Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan has also extended an invitation to Nadeem to visit the Governor House and announced a personal reward of 2 million rupees.
Further accolades have come from the Sindh government, which has offered a reward of 50 million rupees, and from Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who announced plans to establish a sports academy in Nadeem’s name. Additionally, the Mayor of Sukkur has promised to present Nadeem with a gold crown, while Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has announced a reward of 2 million rupees.
Prominent singer Ali Zafar has also pledged a donation of 1 million rupees to Nadeem through his foundation.
Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal was secured with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, setting new Olympic and Asian records. His achievement, which included surpassing the 90-meter mark twice in the final round, has been hailed as a historic milestone in the 116-year history of the Olympics.
