Arshad Nadeem, the javelin star who broke Pakistan’s 40-year gold medal drought with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, setting a new world record, received a hero’s welcome upon his return from the Paris Olympics 2024.
Trending on🇨🇳Chinese social media.
Congratulations!👏👏👏
How 🇵🇰Pakistani #OlympicGames #Javlin #Gold-medalist Arshad Nadeem was welcomed when he was back to #Pakistan? @ArshadOlympian1 #PARIS2024 pic.twitter.com/lDtQcCZEtf— Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) August 12, 2024
Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport was filled with top officials, provincial and federal ministers, Nadeem’s family, and a large crowd of fans who came to greet him. The national hero’s flight, TK-174, operated by Turkish Airlines, landed at 1:25 PM after departing from Istanbul 27 minutes late. Upon arrival, the aircraft was honored with a water cannon salute, a gesture directed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Pakistani Olympian 🏅 #ArshidNadeem's mother and the people of his hometown received him with a warm welcome. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/c34Y8rKJxn
— Khaleej Mag (@KhaleejMag) August 11, 2024
Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, and Khawaja Saad Rafique, representing the government, were present to welcome Nadeem.
In his remarks to the media, Nadeem expressed his gratitude to Allah for his achievement and thanked the nation for the overwhelming support. He emphasized that his success was the result of hard work and the prayers of his parents and the nation. Nadeem also acknowledged the support provided by the government and the Sports Board Punjab in his journey.
After addressing the media, Nadeem left the airport for his hometown on a double-decker bus escorted by Punjab police. His victory in the Olympic men’s javelin event marked Pakistan’s first individual gold medal at a Summer Games. Nadeem’s throw of 92.97 meters not only improved the Olympic record by over 2.50 meters but also earned him a standing ovation from the crowd.
Before Nadeem’s historic win, Pakistan had only won three gold medals in field hockey, in 1960, 1968, and 1984. The country’s only individual Olympic medals prior to this were a wrestling bronze in 1960 and a boxing bronze in 1988. Since the 1992 Barcelona Games, Pakistan had not won any medals.
Speaking exclusively to Geo News, Nadeem remarked that it was his day and that he believed he could have thrown even further.
In recognition of his extraordinary achievement, President Asif Ali Zardari announced that Nadeem would be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian honor. The award will be presented to Nadeem at a special ceremony, as directed by the President under Article 259(2) of the Constitution.
Additionally, the federal government has issued a special postage stamp titled ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ to honor Nadeem’s achievements. The stamp, released in connection with Pakistan’s Independence Day, features an image of Nadeem and the Minar-e-Pakistan, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to progress and stability.