Watch: Arshad Nadeem breaks down into tears, hugs mother upon return to Pakistan

Pakistan’s javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem received a warm reception on returning home from the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday, with people in his hometown gathering in huge numbers. Nadeem, who won a historic gold at the Paris Olympics, could not hold back his tears on meeting his mother.

Nadeem set a new Olympic record of 92.97m two win the men’s javelin throw gold at the Paris Olympics. India’s Neeraj Chopra won silver whereas Grenada’s Andersen Peters won bronze. Nadeem thus became Pakistan’s first gold medallist in track and field events at the Olympics.

Later, he also met his other family members and some villagers, who travelled all the way from his home town of Mian Channu in the rural Khanewal area of Punjab Province.

Once Nadeem and his family reached the exit gate of the terminal people, who were carrying placards and posters, rushed to garland him and tried to hoist him on their shoulders.

Arshad Nadeem | Son of construction worker, struggled to buy javelins, repays village with Olympic gold

The rush, in fact, forced the security officials to take him back to the state lounge. The fans were waiting near the arrival terminal of the airport from 9 PM local time although his flight was scheduled to land around 1.29 AM early morning from Istanbul.

A drove of government ministers and officials were also present at the state lounge to greet and garland Nadeem.

Nadeem bagged Pakistan’s first gold medal since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games where the country crowned champions in the hockey competition.

With PTI inputs