Pakistan welcomed its national hero and Olympic Champion Arshad Nadeem, with grand celebrations as he returned to the country with a gold medal.
Arshad Nadeem has set a new Olympic record by throwing the javelin at a distance of 92.97 meters in the javelin throw competition at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Also Read: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi set to become President Asian Cricket Council
The athlete returned home via Turkish Airlines flight TK-174, which departed 27 minutes late from Istanbul Airport and landed at the Lahore airport at 1:25.
A large crowd, including family members, federal ministers, and dignitaries, gathered at Lahore Airport to greet the champion, while people from his hometown, Mian Channu, also reached Lahore to participate in the celebrations.
The security arrangements at the Allama Iqbal Airport are very strict, and a heavy police force and ASF personnel have taken over the positions.
As Arshad Nadeem’s flight entered Pakistani airspace, the air traffic controller extended a warm welcome, praising him for bringing honor to the country.
On the directives of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the flight — carrying the national hero — was welcomed with a water cannon salute at the airport.
Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima and Khawaja Saad Rafique — on behalf of the government— welcomed Nadeem at the airport.
During his interaction with journalists at the airport, Nadeem said he was “grateful to Allah” for his great achievement during the Paris Olympics 2024. He also thanked the nation for the respect and honour it has bestowed on him.
Due to the prayers of his parents and the nation, Allah brought me to this position, he added.
“There is a long journey behind this success. [I] worked hard day and night to get the medal.”
Responding to a question, the national hero, hailed the government, Sports Board Punjab and others for providing him facilities.
“I’m very happy to win a gold medal [for my country] during the [Paris] Olympics,” he said, adding that he would prepare himself to maintain his performance in the upcoming events.
Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Athlete
In recognition of his record-breaking performance in the Paris Olympics 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari directed that javelin star Nadeem be awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz — the second-highest civilian award given by the Government of Pakistan.
The president will confer the civilian award to Nadeem in a special ceremony, recognizing his distinguished services in the field of sports, a statement from the Aiwan-e-Sadr said Saturday.
Following the president’s directive, the Aiwan-e-Sadr has 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 on the global stage have become a source of national pride, as he has significantly elevated Pakistan’s status in the field of athletics.
The president will bestow the civilian award on Nadeem under Article 259(2) of the Constitution, which allows the President to honour citizens for their valuable contributions across various fields.
