- Nadeem's flight was given a water cannon salute at Lahore airport.
- Thanks to the prayers of the nation, Allah brought me to this position, he says.
- Nadeem says, “There is a long road behind this success.”
Arshad Nadeem, the javelin throw superstar who finally ended Pakistan’s 40-year gold medal drought with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 metres (a new world record), received a national hero’s welcome upon his return to the country after his historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Senior officials including provincial and federal ministers, the Olympic hero's family and his supporters in large numbers arrived at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport to welcome Nadeem.
The athlete returned home on Turkish Airlines flight TK-174, which took off 27 minutes late from Istanbul Airport and landed at Lahore Airport at 1:25 a.m.
According to sources in Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority, the flight took a routine route and entered Lahore via Balochistan and Karachi. The flight took 5 hours and 23 minutes to reach Lahore from Istanbul.
On the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the flight carrying the national hero was greeted with a water cannon salute at the airport.
Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister, Chairman Youth Programme Rana Mashhood, State Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima and Khawaja Saad Rafique on behalf of the government received Nadeem at the airport.
During his interaction with reporters at the airport, Nadeem said he was “grateful to Allah” for his great achievement during the Paris 2024 Olympics. He also thanked the nation for the respect and honour it has bestowed on him.
Thanks to the prayers of my parents and the nation, Allah brought me to this position, he added.
“There is a long journey behind this success. [I] “I worked hard day and night to get the medal.”
Responding to a question, the national hero praised the government, Punjab Sports Board and others for providing him facilities.
“I am very happy to win a gold medal” [for my country] During the [Paris] Olympic Games,” he said, adding that he will prepare to maintain his performance in the upcoming events.
The javelin star later left the airport for his hometown on a double-decker bus. The bus was escorted by Punjab police.
Nadeem won the men's Olympic javelin title in Paris on Thursday, beating defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India to secure Pakistan's first individual gold medal at the Summer Games.
Standing at almost two metres tall, Nadeem made the country proud by throwing the javelin 92.97 metres, improving the Olympic record by more than 2.50 metres and prompting a standing ovation from the packed stadium.
Before Arshad's remarkable victory, Pakistan had never won an individual gold medal at the Olympics.
Pakistan's previous three gold medals were in field hockey: its team won gold in 1960, 1968 and 1984.
Before Thursday, only two Pakistani athletes had won individual medals of any colour: a bronze in wrestling in 1960 and a bronze in boxing in 1988.
Since the 1992 Barcelona Games, Pakistan has not won a single medal of any kind.
Speaking exclusively with Geo newsPakistan's ace javelin thrower said: “It was my day. I could have thrown it further.”
Nadeem to receive Hilal-e-Imtiaz award
In recognition of his record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered that star javelin thrower Nadeem be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award given by the Government of Pakistan.
The President will present the civilian award to Nadeem at a special ceremony in recognition of his distinguished services in the field of sports, an Aiwan-e-Sadr statement said on Saturday.
Following the President's directive, Aiwan-e-Sadr sent a letter to the Cabinet Division, requesting the award for the athlete.
The letter highlights Nadeem’s exceptional performance, which has brought great pride to the nation. His remarkable achievements at the global level have become a source of national pride as he has significantly elevated Pakistan’s status in the field of athletics.
The President will present the civilian award to Nadeem under Article 259(2) of the Constitution, which enables the President to honour citizens for their valuable contributions in various fields.
Government unveils stamp in honour of Nadeem
The federal government has issued a special postal stamp with the theme 'Azm-e-Istehkam' in connection with Pakistan's Independence Day.
The postage stamp features an image of Pakistani Olympic athlete Arshad Nadeem, paying tribute to his achievements.
The title “Azm-e-Istehkam” on the postage stamp represents the government’s unwavering commitment to the progress and stability of the country.
The inclusion of the Minar-e-Pakistan in the design also highlights the symbolic significance of Pakistan's struggle for independence.
