Hero’s welcome for Arshad Nadeem: Thousands of fans gathered at the Lahore airport to welcome the Olympic gold medallist

Arshad Nadeem, the Olympics gold medal winner in the javelin throw from Pakistan got a hero welcome at Lahore Airport after his return from the Paris Olympics.

The airplane in which Arshad Nadeem, the new men’s Javelin Olympic champion, arrived received a water canon salute at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport during the wee hours of the day.

The 27-year-old Arshad ended Pakistan’s 40-year-long wait for an Olympic gold medal. Even at 3:00 am, thousands of fans in Lahore thronged the airport. He was greeted by his father on his arrival, who hugged him and presented him with a garland.

Arshad Nadeem was showered with petals and the fans celebrated his return to the tune of drumbeats and patriotic slogans. The Lahore airport was buzzing with the chants of Arshad even during the wee hours of the night.

Thousands of supporters, including those from his hometown Mian Channu, gave Nadeem a grand welcome upon his return, complete with a Punjab Police band and a historic VVIP protocol by Lahore Police. Over 150 officers ensured his security and an elite convoy escorted him.

At the airport, Nadeem expressed gratitude to Allah for his gold medal achievement at the Paris Olympics 2024 and thanked the nation for its honor. He credited his success to his hard work and the support of his parents and the nation and praised the government and Sports Board Punjab for their support.

Arshad Nadeem, who won Pakistan’s first individual gold medal at a Summer Games by defeating India’s Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin, later traveled to his hometown on a double-decker bus escorted by Punjab police.

In recognition of his achievement, President Asif Ali Zardari has directed that Nadeem be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award.

Arshad Nadeem creates history

Arshad Nadeem became the first gold medallist from Pakistan as he scripted history in the men’s javelin final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Arshad’s second throw of 92.97m broke the Olympic record as he went on to throw another 91.57m throw in his last attempt to seal the winner’s spot.

Arshad Nadeem dethroned his good friend from India, Neeraj Chopra, to become the Olympic champion in the men’s javelin. Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra, the gold medallist from Tokyo Olympics 2020 won the silver medal with his season-best throw of 89.94m.

READ MORE: Arshad Nadeem makes history: Shatters 118-year-old Olympic record