WATCH: Arshad Nadeem gets rousing reception at Lahore airport after Paris Olympics javelin gold

New Delhi: Javelin ace Arshad Nadeem, who recently became Pakistan’s first and only individual Olympic gold medalist, received a well-deserved hero’s welcome at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday. He landed at the airport during the wee hours of the day but that didn’t keep the fans out of action as they made their way to the airport to receive their golden boy who trumped India’s Neeraj Chopra for a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The Turkish Airlines airplane in which Arshad arrived received a water cannon salute at the Lahore airport as the new Olympic javelin record holder made his way out of the airport. The 27-year-old athlete ended a 40-year-long drought of Pakistan for an Olympic gold medal. Even during midnight, a barrage of fans flocked to the airport along with Arshad’s family who were there to welcome their son.

His father hugged him upon his arrival and presented him with a garland and so did the fans who showered him with flowers and petals, celebrating his return. It was a festive environment a the airport which echoed with the beats of the drums and patriotic slogans hanging on the walls and ceilings. As he came out of the airport, the fans started chanting his name at the top of their lungs.

Arshad Nadeem, our Olympic gold medalist, received a hero’s welcome at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport! 🌟 Thousands, including family, officials, and supporters from Mian Channu, gathered to greet him. A grand reception with a Punjab Police band and historic VVIP protocol by… https://t.co/cJfBCB64nV pic.twitter.com/tfNHJaw2Cm

— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) August 10, 2024

Arshad… Arshad…
Lhr Airport.. pic.twitter.com/o8n66tBF1b

— Zeeshan Qayyum ☄️ (@XeeshanQayyum) August 10, 2024

Other than the supporters, a few of his close people arrived from his hometown Mian Channu as well to welcome him. The grand reception also featured a Punjab Police band which greeted Arshad, who was also given a VVIP protocol by Lahore Police. Nearly 150 officers and personnel were present at the airport to ensure his security with an elite convoy that escorted him ahead on the route.

Arshad’s Paris campaign

After crossing the qualifying rounds, Arshad Nadeem became the first individual gold medallist from Pakistan, also setting a new Olympic record in the men’s javelin throw final event at the Stade de France. Arshad threw the javelin to 92.97 metres in his second attempt which broke the previous Olympic record and doubled it up with another 91.57m throw in his last attempt to seal the winning berth.

Arshad also dethroned the reigning Olympic champion in the event and his good friend Neeraj Chopra by bagging a gold medal. Neeraj had to settle for a silver medal as his only valid throw was of 89.94 metres, his season-best effort.

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 Arshad Nadeem returned to Pakistan on Sunday and received a hero’s welcome at the Lahore airport where an ocean of fans were present along with his family to cheer for him for his exploits in Paris Olympics 2024.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today