Arshad Nadeem was given a hero’s welcome upon his return to Pakistan after finishing fifth in the men’s javelin throw event at the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite the fact that the track and field athlete did not win a medal at the world’s largest sporting event, he captured the hearts of millions of Pakistanis with his unwavering determination to put the country on the map despite having little resources.
Before Arshad arrived, a large crowd of sports fans arrived at the airport to greet him. As he approached, the crowd erupted in applause and shouts.
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Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Punjab Minister for Youth and Sports, was greeted at the airport by the head of the Athletics Federation Pakistan, coaches, and athletes.
Arshad Thanks Sports Boards for Patronizing Him
At the airport, Arshad Nadeem talked to the media and thanked everyone who believed in him.
“I became famous over the world as a result of people’s prayers,” he explained. “In the future, I will overcome my flaws and play my best game.”
Arshad Nadeem further promised that his future performances will not disappoint his fans. “I put in a lot of effort and came in fifth,” he remarked.
The athlete also expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Sports Board and the Punjab Sports Board, expressing delight with their support.
“He has made us proud,” Punjab’s sports minister said of Arshad Nadeem.
He also said that he helped Pakistan get international reputation.
Cash Reward and a Hero’s Welcome for Arshad Nadeem
The Punjab government has awarded a financial reward of Rs 1 million for Arshad Nadeem’s outstanding performances at the Tokyo Olympics, in recognition of his efforts in sports. “Arshad Nadeem is the first Pakistani track and field athlete to directly qualify [for the Olympics],” Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimur Khan Bhatti remarked.
Arshad Nadeem, Olympian Talha Talib, and mountaineer Shehroz Kashmir will get cash prizes from Rai Taimur Khan Bhatti Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar for making every Pakistani proud with their outstanding performances.
Apart from that, social media celebrity Waqar Zaka who promised to give $5,000 if Arshad Nadeem managed to win any medal for Pakistan. However, the Olympian did not succeeded to get his hands on the medal but still living on the edge host and major supporter of the crypto currency in Pakistan Waqar Zaka gave him PKR 1million for his hard work and commitment to win.
