Lahore (Web Desk): Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, who made history by setting a world record in Javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024, has returned to homeland with a hero's welcome.
As his airplane touched down Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, it was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafiq and Chairman of the PM Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmed were among the dignitaries who welcomed the national hero at the airport.
Arshad Nadeem's family, who had travelled from their village to Lahore with special protocol, joined the officials in welcoming him.
The gold medalist arrived in Lahore via Istanbul, landing at the airport at 1 am this morning.
Upon his arrival, fans of Arshad Nadeem showered him with flower petals and celebrated his return with drumming and chants of "Long Live Arshad Nadeem, Long Live Pakistan".
Speaking to media after his arrival, Arshad Nadeem spoke to the media, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the entire Pakistani nation and his parents, whose prayers he credited for his remarkable achievement.
He extended his thanks to the government and the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the support and facilities provided to him.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, speaking on the occasion, praised Arshad Nadeem's accomplishment, stating that it was a matter of great pride for Pakistan.
He emphasized that passion could lead to success even when resources were limited and he expressed the government's commitment to nurturing and developing more athletes like him.
Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima highlighted the Prime Minister's unwavering support for Arshad Nadeem and reaffirmed government's determination to extend similar support to every young athlete in Pakistan.
Arshad Nadeem also toured Lahore city on a double decker bus before leaving for his hometown in Mian Channu.
