LAHORE:
Arshad Nadeem, the national hero who won gold at the Paris Olympics, received a rapturous welcome upon his arrival in Lahore. His flight landed at 1:25 AM, greeted by a water cannon salute, while thousands of fans gathered at the airport to catch a glimpse of their hero.
The atmosphere was electric, with a band playing tunes to heighten the excitement, as the crowd danced to the beat of drums, showered flowers, and took selfies in celebration.
When asked by a journalist about entering politics, Arshad firmly stated that his focus would remain on his sport, as politics was not his calling.
Speaking to the media, Arshad expressed his gratitude, attributing his success to Allah’s blessings and the prayers of the nation and his parents. He reflected on the long and arduous journey that led to this victory, emphasizing the relentless efforts required to win the medal.
Arshad Nadeem, who ended a 40-year wait for an Olympic gold medal for Pakistan, was honoured with an unprecedented reception upon his return.
Notably, he set a new Olympic record in the javelin throw, achieving a distance of 92.97 meters, becoming the first Pakistani athlete to win a gold medal in an individual event at the Olympics.