Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan's first Olympic gold medalist athlete in the men's javelin, waves to people as they gather to welcome him at his hometown in Mian Channu, Pakistan August 11, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab 

Upon his triumphant return from Paris, Pakistan’s gold medalist, Arshad Nadeem, was warmly welcomed by a multitude of enthusiastic supporters. His remarkable achievement of breaking the Olympic javelin record and securing Pakistan’s first gold medal in four decades was met with widespread jubilation and admiration.

Javelin gold medallist Arshad Nadeem was greeted with a water cannon salute and the enthusiastic chants of thousands of supporters as he returned to Pakistan with the nation’s first Olympic medal in athletics early on Sunday.

Upon his arrival in the eastern city of Lahore, Nadeem was welcomed by his family, including his father, who adorned him with a garland while the crowd erupted in chants of “Long Live Arshad Nadeem! Long Live Pakistan!”

The 27-year-old father of two triumphed over defending champion Neeraj Chopra from India in the men’s javelin event on Thursday in Paris, achieving an Olympic record throw of 92.97 meters, which ranks as the sixth best in history.

His victory is particularly significant for Pakistanis, who are facing an economic crisis and increasing militancy, as Nadeem's journey began in a modest mud brick home in a disadvantaged area of rural Punjab.


In his youth, he honed his skills by training in wheat fields with makeshift javelins. Mohammad Farooq traveled for hours from Sargodha to participate in the celebratory welcome.

“I have come here… to welcome our hero. Pakistan has gained this happy moment after 40 years. It has become a double pleasure with Aug. 14,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s independence day celebrations on Wednesday.

On Saturday, President Asif Ali Zardari declared that Arshad Nadeem is to receive the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his accomplishments.

“I am thankful to God almighty. I thank my parents and Pakistani nation,” Nadeem told the crowds. “There is lot of hard work by me and my coach Salman Butt behind this.”