Champion Arshad Nadeem lands in Lahore in historic homecoming

LAHORE: Arshad Nadeem, who set a world record in javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024, returned to Pakistan to a hero’s welcome. His airplane was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute upon landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.

Arshad Nadeem, the javelin superstar who ended Pakistan’s 40-year gold medal drought with a record-breaking 92.97 meters throw a new world record, received a heroic welcome upon his return to the country after his historic performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Top officials, including provincial and federal ministers, as well as the Olympic hero’s family and numerous fans, gathered at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to welcome Nadeem.

The athlete arrived home on Turkish Airlines flight TK-174, which was delayed by 27 minutes from its departure at Istanbul Airport, and landed at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport at 1:25.

According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, the flight followed a standard route, entering Lahore via Balochistan and Karachi. It took 5 hours and 23 minutes to travel from Istanbul to Lahore.

On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the flight was greeted with a water cannon salute upon arrival.

Moreover, Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, and Khawaja Saad Rafique, representing the government, were present to welcome Nadeem at the airport.

Later, the javelin star departed the airport for his hometown on a double-decker bus, escorted by the Punjab police.

 Additionally, Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem and his convoy arrived at Raiwind Tableeghi Markaz on their way to Mian Channu. Nadeem offered Fajr prayer at the Tableeghi Markaz. During the journey to Mian Channu, the convoy made a stop for breakfast at a restaurant on Multan Road in Phool Nagar, where a large crowd gathered to see him.

In Phool Nagar, locals gave the Olympic champion a warm welcome with traditional drum beats. The crowd chanted slogans and took selfies with Nadeem, celebrating his achievements.

Dignitaries including Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafiq, and Chairman of the PM Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmed were present to welcome him.

Nadeem’s family, who had traveled from their village to Lahore with special arrangements, joined the officials in greeting him. Fans showered him with flower petals and celebrated his return with drumming and chants of “Long Live Arshad Nadeem, Long Live Pakistan.”