Pakistan's first individual Olympic gold medalist, Arshad Nadeem, was celebrated with great enthusiasm upon his return from the Paris Olympics. His historic victory in the javelin throw event, marked by a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, earned him a grand homecoming at the airport, greeted by hundreds of cheering fans.
Nadeem's plane received a water salute upon arrival, signaling the start of a jubilant reception. Emerging as Pakistan's pride, Nadeem’s gold medal is the first for the country in 40 years and the first-ever individual gold in its Olympic history.
In recognition of his outstanding achievement, the government of Pakistan on Saturday announced that Nadeem will be honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award in the country.
The Hilal-e-Imtiaz will be presented to Nadeem in a special ceremony by the President. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the issuance of a commemorative stamp titled "Azm-e-Istehkam" (Commitment to Stability) featuring Nadeem's image alongside the Minar-e-Pakistan. The stamp will be issued on August 14, coinciding with Pakistan's 77th Independence Day.
Nadeem's gold medal performance shattered the previous Olympic record of 90.57 meters, set during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
His remarkable achievement has been widely celebrated across Pakistan. Various provincial governments and organizations have acknowledged his success with cash awards. Punjab, his home province, has notably been at the forefront of these accolades, expressing national pride in his accomplishment.
Before Nadeem's victory, Pakistan had only two individual Olympic medals. Mohammad Bashir won a wrestling bronze in 1960, and Hussain Shah won a boxing bronze in 1988.
Nadeem's historic gold has not only elevated his status as a national hero but has also inspired a new generation of athletes in Pakistan.
