Lahore 11th August 2024 (TDI): In the midst of a throng of adoring fans, Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem collapsed at his mother’s feet before embracing her, as the two were reunited at their Mian Channu home, on Sunday.
The Olympic gold medalist, who arrived to a hero’s welcome at Lahore airport late on Saturday night, was greeted with a water cannon salute on the runway, before appearing in the terminal to chants from thousands of supporters and fanfare from a police marching band.
He was met by his family members, including his father who placed a garland around his neck, as well as a host of ministers and bureaucrats.
He then embarked on a journey to his ancestral home in Chak 101-15L along with a procession, complete with dancing youths, dhol wallahs, and a police escort.
The two-and-a-half-hour journey from Lahore took more than 6 hours, as the cavalcade escorting him home took a long and circuitous route along the GT Road.
The highway was lined with people who waited hours just for a glimpse of the first individual Olympic gold medal winner in the Pakistan’s history.
Arshad was welcomed at Renala Khurd, Bhai Pheru, Pattoki, Renala Khurd, Okara, Sabinal and Chichawatni, while many buses filled with fans from Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, and districts further afield descended on his small hometown.
Fan Moments
Waving to fans from atop the open vehicle, Nadeem stopped at nearly every town along the way to greet fans, receive garlands and adoration, and pose for selfies.
In Sahiwal district, special receptions were held for him at hotels on Pakpattan Bypass, Harappa Bypass, Arifwala Bypass, and Chichawatni Bypass, among others.
Also Read More: Arshad Nadeem Dedicates Gold Medal As Gift To Pakistani Nation
Upon arrival in Mian Chunnu, as jubilant fans danced to the beat of drums, the Olympian made his way through the crowd towards his proud mother, Raziah Parveen, before falling to her feet.
Acknowledging her son’s gesture, she then pulled him up and embraced him, beaming with maternal pride.
Arshad Nadeem, who used to train in local wheat fields with homemade javelins, is set to be honoured by Pakistan’s second highest civil award — the Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
