Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore authorities gave national athlete Arshad Nadeem, who scored the fifth position in men's javelin throw in Tokyo Olympics, VVIP protocol upon his return to the country on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Punjab Sports Minister Taimur Bhatti and social media celebrity Waqar Zaka along with sports federation representatives welcomed Arshad Nadeem.
Waqar Zaka also presented Rs1 million cheque to Arshad for bagging the fifth position in the Olympics.
Arshad Nadeem's family also came from Mian Channu to welcome him. Arshad became emotional after meeting with his mother.
He later reached his hometown of Mian Channu where the locals in great numbers escorted his car to his home as a gesture to pay him tribute and express their love for the son of the soil who represented Pakistan at the Olympics.
Arshad Nadeem after reaching Mian Cahnnu directly went to a hotel to meet his teacher Rasheed Saqi. He said, “What I have achieved today is because of my teacher Rasheed Saqi.”
He vowed to work hard and win a gold medal for Pakistan.
Punjab Sports Minister tweeted, “Arshad Nadeem has returned home now and we need to appreciate all our national heroes. Let's start a new journey for sports in Pakistan together with the provision of an environment for the players so they could make the country and the nation shine on the world stage.”
The minister vowed to take all possible steps in helping the athletes in the country for future sports events.
https://twitter.com/RaiTaimoorPTI/status/1425590134595014661
Arshad Nadeem missed out on a podium finish, standing fifth, but won the hearts with the determination he displayed throughout the contest.
India’s Neeraj Chopra won the men's javelin throw gold with a best throw of 87.58 metres, claiming a historic first Olympic gold in athletics for India. Arshad Nadeem, meanwhile, scored a best throw of 84.63 metres.
Arshad also clarified that he has only one Twitter official handle with username @Arshadndeem76 and all others are fake accounts.
https://twitter.com/Arshadnadeem76/status/1425438935174500354
On Thursday, Arshad also went to Khanewal Deputy Commissioner DC office where the district administration welcomed the athlete and paid glowing tribute to him for promoting Pakistan at the international event.
Reporters Hafiz Shehbaz, Fakhar Zaman and Ali Riaz