Javelin gold medalist Arshad Nadeem arrived in Pakistan to a hero’s welcome, greeted by a water cannon salute and chants from thousands of supporters. The cheers erupted as he brought home Pakistan’s first Olympic medal, a moment of immense pride for the nation.
Nadeem, a 27-year-old father of two, was met by his family, including his father who placed a garland around his neck. The crowd erupted in chants of “Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!” as he touched down in the eastern city of Lahore.
His triumph in the men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics, where he beat defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India with an Olympic record 92.97-meter throw, is particularly significant for Pakistan. The country is grappling with an economic crisis and rising militancy, making Nadeem’s achievement all the more impressive.
Nadeem’s journey to Olympic glory is a testament to his unwavering determination. Born and raised in a mud brick house in an impoverished corner of rural Punjab, he trained in wheat fields with homemade javelins.
Mohammad Farooq, a supporter who traveled hours from Sargodha to join the celebrations, expressed the collective joy. “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.
President Asif Ali Zardari announced that Nadeem would be awarded Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, for his achievement.
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, Nadeem expressed his gratitude. “I am thankful to God almighty. I thank my parents and Pakistani nation,” he told the crowds. “There is a lot of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt behind this.
