Javelin Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem Receives Hero’s Welcome Upon Return Home
LAHORE, Aug 11 Javelin gold medallist Arshad Nadeem returned to a hero’s welcome early Sunday, greeted with a water cannon salute and cheers from thousands of jubilant supporters as he brought home Pakistan’s first Olympic medal in athletics.
The 27-year-old, who won the gold medal in the men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, was welcomed by his family at Lahore airport. His father placed a garland around his neck amidst chants of “Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!”
Nadeem’s victory is especially celebrated in Pakistan, where he overcame significant hardships. Born and raised in a modest mud-brick house in rural Punjab, he trained with homemade javelins in wheat fields. His triumph is viewed as a beacon of hope amid the country’s economic struggles and rising militancy.
Mohammad Farooq traveled from Sargodha to join the celebrations, expressing his excitement, “I have come here to welcome our hero. Pakistan has waited 40 years for such a moment, and it’s even more special with Independence Day on August 14.”
In recognition of his achievement, President Asif Ali Zardari announced that Nadeem would receive Pakistan’s second-highest civilian honor, the Hilal-i-Imtiaz. Nadeem expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am thankful to God almighty. I thank my parents and the Pakistani nation. This success is the result of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt.”
