Arshad Nadeem receives a grand welcome on arrival in Lahore
Nadeem scripted history in Paris as he became the first Pakistani athlete to win an Olympic medal in 40 years. He received a hero’s welcome on Saturday when he touched down in Lahore.
Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem returned home on Saturday with his Olympic Gold medal. The 27-year-old set an Olympic Record with a gigantic 92.97m throw on his second attempt at the Paris Games to make a podium finish. His rival and Indian superstar Neeraj Chopra bagged the silver with a throw of 89.54m with the rest of his attempts considered as foul.
Nadeem scripted history in Paris as he became the first Pakistani athlete to win an Olympic medal in 40 years. He received a hero’s welcome on Saturday when he touched down in Lahore. His plane received a water salute upon arrival, signalling the start of a jubilant reception. He was greeted by his father who hugged him and presented him with a garland.
Water canon salute to Turkish Airline plane at Lahore airport carrying Pakistans first ever individual Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem. pic.twitter.com/BXTIaGZ8tu— عمران غنی (@Imranghani77) August 10, 2024
Arshad Nadeem’s father hugging him after he reached airport. Must be the best moment of his life after all he supported his son to chase his dream and now his son has won an Olympics gold medal.This is what we call a happy ending.pic.twitter.com/RVTqQSSl0H— Abdullah (@abdullahhammad4) August 10, 2024
Meanwhile, the Lahore airport was buzzing with the chants of Arshad as a sea of fans had gathered to cheer for the Olympic Gold medallist. Nadeem then got onto an open bus for a victory parade as the entire city welcomed their national hero. According to reports, over 150 officers and personnel ensured his security, with an elite convoy escorting him throughout the route.
Various provincial governments and organizations have acknowledged his success with cash rewards. Pakistan will honour the ace athlete Arshad Nadeem with Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second highest award of the country, for his stupendous feat at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, it was announced on Saturday. The government also directed for a commemorative stamp titled ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ to be issued on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day next week.
Before Nadeem’s victory, Pakistan had only two individual Olympic medals. Mohammad Bashir won a wrestling bronze in 1960, and Hussain Shah won a boxing bronze in 1988.
(With Agency Inputs)
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