Arshad Nadeem to receive Hilal-e-Imtiaz for historic Olympic victory

President Asif Ali Zardari has directed to give Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award, to Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem for his outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Arshad Nadeem made history by winning the gold medal in the javelin throw competition, ending Pakistan's 40-year wait for an individual gold medal.

His spectacular 92.97-metre throw in the javelin men's event also shattered the Olympic record.

A statement issued by Aiwan-e-Sadr noted that The President will confer the Civil Award on Arshad Nadeem in a special ceremony, "recognising his exceptional services in the field of sports".

According to the letter, Arshad Nadeem has brought the country fame in the field of athletics.

President Zardari will honour the 27-year-old sportsman with civil award under Article 259(2) of the Constitution.

Preparations are underway to welcome the national hero as he returns on August 11 (Sunday) in the early hours.

Arshad will land at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore via Istanbul at 1am.

The members of the Pakistan Olympic Association and government officials will receive the gold medalist at the airport.

Pakistan's star sportsman will then travel to his hometown in Khanewal to celebrate his victory.

Nadeem's mother is eager to welcome his son by giving him a "hug full of love and appreciation".

Talking to a private news channel, the athlete's mother said that she would welcome his son with a garland of flowers.

Hundreds of thousands of people will give Arshad a heroic welcome upon his return to the country.

“Arshad Nadeem has brought great joy to the nation, and his reception will be historic,” said Chairman of South Asian Athletics Muhammad Akram Sahi.