Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist in javelin throw, received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Lahore late at night.

Nadeem, who arrived around 1:25 AM, was greeted by a large crowd, including family, friends, and fans who had travelled from his hometown of Mian Channu to see their hero.

As Arshad disembarked, his plane was honoured with a water cannon salute, a tribute to his remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics.

The atmosphere at the airport was electric, with fans playing music, dancing, and showering Arshad with flower petals.

Among those waiting was his father, who, upon seeing his son, rushed forward to embrace him.

The emotional reunion saw both father and son visibly moved, with Arshad’s eyes appearing tearful as his father kissed him and placed garlands around his neck.

“My son has made the nation proud,” his father said, “I am just a labourer, but God has been kind to us.”

The scenes at the airport were a stark reminder of Pakistan’s long Olympic history, as the nation celebrated its first gold medal since the 1984 hockey triumph and the first Olympic medal since 1992.