Arshad Nadeem arrives in Mian Channu’s hometown to a hero’s welcome – Pakistan

Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem received a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Mian Channu on Sunday afternoon, where a large crowd gathered to meet the Olympic champion.

A few hours earlier, Nadeem and his coach Salman Butt had received a similar welcome at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. The airport was packed with hundreds of people who had gathered in the arrivals hall to welcome the new national hero.

Nadeem made history on Thursday when he threw a monster 92.97m in the men’s javelin final, breaking the Olympic record and giving Pakistan its first gold medal in 40 years and its first Olympic medal of any colour in 32 years.

In video footage obtained by DawnThe photo shows the 27-year-old waving to the crowd gathered around the truck with thick streamers around his neck.

Large Pakistani flags were seen in the crowd and there was a heavy police presence.

In another video, Nadeem is seen being showered with flower petals as he walks through the crowd, with a dhol can be heard in the background.

Mian Channu has been celebrating Nadeem’s victory since Thursday evening, when the event was broadcast live via a digital projector on a screen hung on the back of a truck.