Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who made history by setting a new Olympic record in Paris and securing Pakistan’s first gold medal in 40 years, was greeted with a rousing reception upon his arrival at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport late Saturday night.
A large crowd, including top provincial and federal officials, Nadeem’s family, and enthusiastic fans, gathered at the airport to celebrate the national hero’s return. Nadeem, who arrived via Turkish Airlines flight TK-174, landed at 1:25 AM after a slight delay departing from Istanbul.
According to sources from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, the flight took a routine route, entering Lahore via Balochistan and Karachi, covering the distance from Istanbul in 5 hours and 23 minutes.
On the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the aircraft carrying Nadeem was honored with a water cannon salute upon arrival.
High-ranking officials, including Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood, and Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, along with Khawaja Saad Rafique representing the government, were present at the airport to welcome Nadeem.
Speaking to journalists, Nadeem expressed his gratitude to Allah for his remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics 2024. He also thanked the nation for the immense respect and honor bestowed upon him.
Reflecting on his journey, Nadeem acknowledged the hard work and dedication that led to his success. He also praised the government, Sports Board Punjab, and others for their support and facilities, vowing to maintain his performance in future competitions.
Following the airport celebrations, Nadeem traveled to his hometown on a double-decker bus, escorted by Punjab police.
Nadeem’s Olympic triumph came on Thursday when he won the men’s javelin title in Paris, outthrowing defending champion India’s Neeraj Chopra. His impressive 92.97-meter throw not only secured Pakistan’s first individual gold medal at a Summer Games but also set a new Olympic record, surpassing the previous mark by over 2.50 meters.
Before Nadeem’s historic victory, Pakistan had never won an individual gold medal at the Olympics, with the nation’s previous three gold medals coming in field hockey in 1960, 1968, and 1984. The last Olympic medal won by Pakistan was in 1992.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Nadeem expressed his satisfaction with his performance, hinting that he could have achieved an even greater distance.
Arshad Nadeem to Receive Hilal-e-Imtiaz
In recognition of his outstanding performance, President Asif Ali Zardari has directed that Arshad Nadeem be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award. The award will be presented to Nadeem in a special ceremony, honoring his significant contributions to the field of sports.
The President’s directive was issued to the Cabinet Division, highlighting Nadeem’s exceptional achievements and their role in elevating Pakistan’s status in global athletics.
Government Unveils Stamp Honoring Nadeem
In addition, the federal government has issued a special postage stamp themed ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ in celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The stamp features Arshad Nadeem, paying tribute to his remarkable achievements and symbolizing the government’s commitment to the country’s progress and stability. The design also includes the Minar-e-Pakistan, emphasizing the nation’s struggle for independence.
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