LAHORE: Arshad Nadeem arrived at the Lahore airport to a hero’s welcome in the early hours of Thursday, the javelin thrower having made history at the recently-concluded Tokyo Olympics.

Arshad, accompanied by his coach Fayyaz Bukhari, was welcomed by Athletics Federation of Pakistan president retired Gen Akram Sahi and Punjab sports minister Rai Taimur Bhatti, who had annou­nced a prize of Rs1million for the athlete.

The 24-year-old became the first track-and-field athlete to qualify for a final at the Olympics, finishing fifth in the event won by India’s Neeraj Chopra.

“Although I was not able to win a medal, I will work even harder to bring laurels to the country,” Arshad told reporters at the airport.“I am thankful to the nation for praying for my success and now I will try to overcome all my shortcomings to give my best in the future.”

Arshad, with his family, left for his hometown Mian Channu soon after. A grand reception is being arranged in his honour on Friday.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2021