Pakistan athlete Arshad Nadeem made history by becoming the first Pakistani to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics. Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a javelin throw of 92.97 meters in the final, securing the rare gold and propelling him to overnight stardom.
In recognition of his achievement, the Punjab and Sindh governments awarded Arshad a combined reward of 150 million PKR. Upon his return to Pakistan, Nadeem was celebrated with a grand reception at Lahore Airport, where his flight was honored with a water cannon salute, and thousands of fans gathered to greet him.
Warch Here:
Arshad Nadeem’s flight was greeted with a water cannon at Lahore Airport. pic.twitter.com/m3PDQbx69i
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) August 10, 2024
Nadeem’s victory marked Pakistan’s first Olympic medal since the 1992 Barcelona Games and was the country’s first individual gold, adding to the three golds won by the hockey team in 1960, 1968, and 1984.
ONE OF THE HISTORIC WELCOME!!!
The Champion the Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem got an incredible welcome today at Lahore airport.
Thousand’s of people were chanting Arshad Arshad Arshad, what a moment. pic.twitter.com/q6DvyQVAPm
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) August 11, 2024
On his historic win, Arshad took to X to express his gratitude: “First of all, I thank Allah Almighty for this huge success, with the prayers of my parents, prayers of the entire nation, and especially the tireless effort of my coach Mr. Salman Iqbal Butt and the support of Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa, I have achieved this massive milestone. Thank you All! Lastly, This Gold medal is a gift from me to the entire nation on the occasion of Independence Day.”
India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, earned the Silver medal in the event, while Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured the bronze. No other competitor managed to surpass the 90-meter mark besides Nadeem.
