ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s famous Olympian Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem reached Islamabad on Tuesday. Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar welcomed Arshad Nadeem with state protocol.

Pakistan Television aired Arshad Nadeem’s welcome scenes live.

Tarar said, “Today our national hero has arrived here on a special invitation of the prime minister.” Air Force officers presented a salute Arshad Nadeem, he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Arshad Nadeem would unfurl the flag at the 14th August ceremony tomorrow.

The prime minister said that Arshad Nadeem is the state guest, the minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, Arshad Nadeem said, “My coach Salman Butt worked hard on me and our diligence is behind this gold medal success.”

 Arshad further said that he would work harder to light the name of the country in the future. He vows, “I will go further by working hard.”

“When he threw 92.97, the coach said that 95% of the gold medal is ours,” the Olympic hero recalled. “I asked my coach to pray for a bigger throw than this,” he said, adding “My coach has played an important role in my success.”

Arshad said that Maryam Nawaz came to our village today, honored him and also gave him a reward and added he was grateful to her. “I am grateful to the entire nation, including the Prime Minister, Chief Minister of Punjab for giving me such honor,” he said.

Earlier in the day, addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Olympic Champion of Javelin throw Arshad Nadeem would be given heroic welcome in Islamabad.

He said a special aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force would bring Arshad Nadeem, his family, parents and coach from Multan airport. He said Arshad Nadeem would be given VVIP reception as a state guest.

The Minister said a committee of federal ministers would receive the national hero at the Noor Khan airbase this evening. He said state protocol would be accorded to Arshad Nadeem during his visit to Islamabad and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would host a banquet in honour of the national hero. He added proceedings of the banquet would be broadcast as live. Besides, a musical event would be arranged during which artistes would present patriotic songs.