Arshad Nadeem Receives Hero’s Welcome Upon Return After Historic Olympic Gold

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s javelin sensation who etched his name in the record books at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a phenomenal 92.97-meter throw, received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Lahore in the early hours of Sunday. His gold medal-winning performance, which shattered a 118-year-old Olympic record, was celebrated with great fervor as he landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport.

A large crowd of jubilant fans, including children, youth, and elders, gathered at the airport to greet the Olympian. The flight carrying Nadeem was honored with a water cannon salute upon landing, underscoring the magnitude of his achievement. He was then escorted to the State Lounge, where federal and provincial ministers, along with government officials, warmly received him. His family was also present, with an emotional reunion as he embraced his father.

Prominent figures in attendance included Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, State Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Sheza Fatima, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bokhari, and Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokar, who all garlanded Nadeem in recognition of his historic feat. Additionally, a delegation from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by MPA Syed Hasan Murtaza, was present to honor the javelin champion.

The Allama Iqbal International Airport was adorned with banners, and a police band played patriotic tunes as the atmosphere resonated with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan). Thousands of fans danced to drumbeats, celebrating the athlete who ended a 32-year medal drought for Pakistan in the Olympics.

Nadeem’s victory marks a significant milestone as he is the first Pakistani to win an Olympic gold in track and field, and the first since 1984 to bring home an Olympic gold, the last being in men’s field hockey at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Given the overwhelming crowd, the Punjab Police implemented special security measures to ensure safety. Despite the late hour, throngs of supporters lined the streets as Nadeem, accompanied by his family, coach Salman Butt, and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) officials, rode a double-decker bus through the city, waving to his adoring fans.

In recognition of his extraordinary achievement, President Asif Ali Zardari has announced that Nadeem will be awarded the prestigious civil award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz. Additionally, the government has issued a commemorative postage stamp titled ‘Azm-e-Istehkam,’ featuring images of the Minar-e-Pakistan and Arshad Nadeem, to mark both the country’s 77th Independence Day and Nadeem’s Olympic triumph.

Speaking to Pakistan Television (PTV) at the airport, Nadeem expressed his gratitude to his coaches, particularly Salman Butt, his personal physician Dr. Bajwa, and the Pakistan and Punjab Sports Boards for their support. He also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and President Zardari for their acknowledgment of his achievements. Nadeem also praised his employer, WAPDA, for supporting him and other athletes in pursuing their sporting passions.

Finally, Nadeem extended heartfelt thanks to the millions of Pakistanis who prayed for his success, acknowledging that their support played a crucial role in his historic victory.