LAHORE: Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem has landed in Pakistan after putting up a tremendous performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2021.
Though the track and field athlete could not win a medal in the world’s biggest sports festival, he won the hearts of millions of Pakistanis with his indomitable will to put the country on the map with little resources at his disposal.
Arshad Nadeem’s plane landed at 1:30 am at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.
A large number of sports enthusiasts had gathered at the airport to welcome Arshad before his arrival. Cheers and loud slogans filled the air as he arrived.
ارشد ندیم وطن واپس پہنچ چکے ہیں۔ ہمیں تمام قومی ہیروز کی بھرپور پزیرائی کرنی ہوگی۔آئیے مل کر پاکستان میں کھیلوں کے لئے ایک نئے سفر کا آغاز کریں۔ کھلاڑیوں کے لئے ایک ایسا ماحول فراہم کریں جس سے وہ عالمی سطح پر ملک و قوم کا نام روشن کریں۔حکومت اس حوالے سے تمام ممکن اقدامات کرے گی۔ pic.twitter.com/4aHPak99Pn
— Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti (@RaiTaimoorPTI) August 11, 2021
Punjab Minister for Youth and Sports Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, president of the Athletics Federation Pakistan, coaches and athletes received him at the airport.
Arshad thanks sports boards for patronising him
Arshad Nadeem spoke to the media at the airport and thanked all the people who prayed for him.
“I got fame in the world owing to people’s prayers,” he said. “I will overcome my shortcomings and play the best game in the future.”
Arshad Nadeem also vowed that he would not disappoint his admirers with his performance in future. “I worked hard and came fifth,” he said.
National Hero Arshad Nadeem Back in town. Recieved by Sports Minister @RaiTaimoorPTI President AFP Gen r Akram Sahi & A large number of fans were also present at the airport to welcome @Arshadnadeem76 pic.twitter.com/FJq3TDRBrF
— Makhdoom Abu Bakar Bilal (@makhdoomab) August 11, 2021
The athlete also said he is grateful to the Pakistan Sports Board and Punjab board and expressed satisfaction with the bodies for patronising him.
The Punjab sports minister lauded Arshad Nadeem, saying, “He has made us proud.” Maryam Nawaz also tweeted on Arshad Nadeem’s splendid effort.
Its not about winning or losing. It's about getting out there and putting up a fight. That is what makes you a winner! We are all super proud of you champ! ♥️🇵🇰#ArshadNadeem pic.twitter.com/gakkjHy2Fy
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 7, 2021
He got Pakistan global recognition, he added.
Govt support vital for a boost to sports activities in Pakistan
It is pertinent to mention here that Nadeem had finished fifth during the javelin throw competition in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, with India’s Neeraj Chopra taking home the gold medal.
“Nation Is Proud Of You”
— Hashim Khan (@Hashimkhan_2000) August 7, 2021
@NArshadAthlete #ArshadNadeem pic.twitter.com/FDMuHLBw8i
He made history at the global event by becoming the first-ever Pakistani athlete to qualify for the final of any track and field event in the Olympics.
Nadeem’s ranking soared to fourth on the points table at one point in the competition but he was soon surpassed by rival athletes.
Pakistani star Olympians #ArshadNadeem landed in
— Currentpak (@_currentpak) August 12, 2021
Pakistan at #Lahore International
Airport to a Hero's Welcome pic.twitter.com/ZuoosTzuml
During the final round, Nadeem made 82.91m on his opening attempt and threw 81.98m on the second. But his final throw was declared a foul to land him in the fifth position.
India’s Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal with a record 87.58-metre throw in the javelin throw. He became India’s first track and field athlete who won gold in Olympics. Standing on the winning stand, Chopra was followed by Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch and Vitezslav Vesely, who claimed silver and bronze medals respectively.
He won hearts across the subcontinent #ArshadNadeem pic.twitter.com/6LmQIwDBW9
— Farzana Shah (@Jana_Shah) August 7, 2021
The Indian government spent a whopping amount of money on Chopra. In comparison, the money spent on Arshad Nadeem’s preparations came mainly from his father who is a labourer.
The government of Pakistan allocated a meagre amount of money for his preparations despite the fact that he has been earning a good name for the country for six years now.
Cash reward
Recognising his efforts in the sports, the Punjab government has announced a cash reward worth Rs1mn for Arshad Nadeem for his stellar performances in the Tokyo Olympics. Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimur Khan Bhatti said, “Arshad Nadeem is the first Pakistani track and field athlete who directly qualified [for Olympics].”
Well Played Champion @Neeraj_chopra1 – Best Wishes For Next Time Bro ☺️ pic.twitter.com/FimopJcQ05
— Arshad Nadeem (@ArshadNadeem26) August 9, 2021
Rai Taimur Khan Bhatti Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar will hand the cash prizes to Arshad Nadeem along with Olympian Talha Talib and nd mountaineer Shehroz Kashmir for making every Pakistani proud with their stellar performances.
Media person and communication expert for over 25 years. Worked with Dow Jones News, World Bank, CNBC Pakistan, Aaj TV, ARY TV, Abbtakk TV, Business Recorder, Pakistan Observer, Online News Network, TTI Magazine and other local and world Publications.
