Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s Javelin Throw Victory Ceremony – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 09, 2024. Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan celebrates with his medal on the podium.
Photo: REUTERS/Alina Smutko
Lahore – Javelin gold medalist Arshad Nadeem received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Pakistan, following his historic win at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nadeem arrived to a water cannon salute and cheers from thousands of supporters early Sunday morning.
The 27-year-old athlete was greeted by his family, including his father, who placed a garland around his neck. Thousands of supporters chanted “Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!” as he landed in Lahore.
Nadeem secured Pakistan’s first Olympic medal with a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters, setting an Olympic record and ranking as the sixth-best throw in history. He defeated defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India in the men’s javelin event.
Nadeem’s victory is particularly inspiring for Pakistanis, who are facing economic challenges and rising militancy. Nadeem, a father of two, hails from an impoverished area in rural Punjab and trained with homemade javelins in wheat fields.
Mohammad Farooq traveled hours from Sargodha to celebrate the homecoming. “I have come here… to welcome our hero. Pakistan has gained this happy moment after 40 years. It has become a double pleasure with Aug. 14,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s independence day celebrations on Wednesday.
President Asif Ali Zardari announced that Arshad Nadeem would be awarded Pakistan’s second-highest civilian honor, the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, for his achievement.
“I am thankful to God almighty. I thank my parents and the Pakistani nation,” Nadeem told the crowd. “There is a lot of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt behind this.”