Men's javelin gold medalist, Arshad Nadeem, of Pakistan, centre, waves to Pakistani people outside the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore during his arriving, in Lahore, Pakistan, Aug 11, 2024. – AP
LAHORE: Javelin gold medallist Arshad Nadeem arrived to a water canon salute and chants from thousands of supporters as he brought Pakistan's first Olympic medal home early on Sunday (Aug 11). Nadeem was met by his family, including his father who placed a garland around his neck to thousands chanting "Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!", as he touched down in the eastern city of Lahore.
The 27-year old father of two beat defending champion Neeraj Chopra of neighbouring arch-rival India in the men's javelin on Thursday (Aug 8) in Paris with an Olympic record 92.97m throw, the sixth best ever.
His triumph is seen by Pakistanis, struggling with an economic crisis and rising militancy, as all the more impressive since Nadeem was born and raised in a mud brick house in an impoverished corner of rural Punjab. As a young man, he trained in wheat fields with homemade javelins.
Mohammad Farooq travelled hours from the city of Sargodha to join the welcome celebrations.
"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 on Wednesday (Aug 7).
President Asif Ali Zardari announced on Saturday (Aug 10) that Arshad Nadeem would be awarded Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, for his achievement.
"I am thankful to God almighty. I thank my parents and Pakistani nation," Nadeem told the crowds. "There is lot of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt behind this." – Reuters
