Javelin gold medallist Arshad Nadeem received a water cannon salute and enthusiastic chants from thousands of supporters upon his return to Pakistan on Sunday, marking the nation's first Olympic medal. Nadeem was greeted by his family, including his father who draped a garland around his neck, as crowds in Lahore roared, "Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!"
The 27-year-old, who is a father of two, surpassed defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India in the men's javelin event in Paris, achieving an Olympic record throw of 92.97 meters, the sixth best in history. Nadeem's victory is particularly poignant for Pakistanis amidst economic turmoil and escalating violence, given his humble beginnings in a mud brick house in rural Punjab. He trained with homemade javelins in wheat fields as a young man.
Mohammad Farooq, who traveled from Sargodha to participate in the celebrations, expressed his joy, "I came here to welcome our hero. Pakistan has experienced this joyous occasion after 40 years, and it's doubly special with the celebrations of August 14," referring to Pakistan's Independence Day. President Asif Ali Zardari announced that Arshad Nadeem would receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian honor, for his remarkable achievement.
"I am grateful to God almighty. I thank my parents and the Pakistani nation," Nadeem addressed the crowds. "There has been a lot of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt behind this success."
