- Arshad Nadeem receives historic welcome in Pakistan.
- Thousands of fans and officials greet him at Lahore airport.
- He praises government and sports board for facilities provided.
Arshad arrived at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday night, where he was greeted by thousands of fans and government officials, celebrating the national hero.
Fans at the airport showered him with flowers and welcomed him in a remarkable way. The crowd was so large that Arshad, who hails from Mian Channu, could hardly move through the venue.
Approximately 100 relatives and close friends from Arshad's village, along with his family—invited by Punjab's Sports Minister Malik Faisal—were present at the airport to give him the grand welcome he deserved.
Speaking to the media on his historic return, Arshad expressed his gratitude, saying he was "grateful to Allah" for his monumental achievement at the Olympics. He also extended his thanks to the nation for the respect and honor he received.
"Due to the prayers of my parents and the nation, Allah brought me to this position," he added.
"There is a long journey behind this success. [I] worked hard day and night to get the medal," the athlete shared.
When asked about his accomplishment, the national hero praised the government, Sports Board Punjab, and others for the facilities provided to him.
"I'm very happy to win a gold medal [for my country] during the [Paris] Olympics," he said, adding that he plans to continue his hard work to maintain his performance in future events.
Arshad became the first Pakistani to win an individual Olympic gold with his throw of 92.97 meters in his second attempt, securing the gold medal.
He also broke the Olympic record previously held by Denmark's Andreas Thorkildsen (90.57m in Beijing 2008).
Arshad's victory also marked Pakistan's first Olympic medal since 1992 in Barcelona, ending the night with another impressive 91.79m throw in his final attempt.
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