ISLAMABAD: Nooh Dastgir Butt made history by becoming the first Pakistani to win seven gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship held in Sun City, South Africa.
Nooh had already set a new standard in the powerlifting event by lifting a total of 860 kg last week. He continued his impressive performance in the equipped powerlifting category, lifting 850 kg in the +120 kg division. In the equipped events, he achieved a deadlift of 300 kg, a squat of 340 kg, and a bench press of 210 kg.
In the earlier classic powerlifting event, Nooh lifted a total of 860 kg, surpassing competitors from Sri Lanka and Wales.
According to a press release from the Pakistan Powerlifting Federation, the championship took place from October 4 to October 13 in Sun City.
Nooh’s international comeback has silenced his critics, particularly those within the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, which had denied him the opportunity to properly prepare and qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite his top-tier performance. He had previously won a Commonwealth Games gold medal and set records in 2022 in Birmingham.
However, rather than receiving support for his Olympic campaign, Nooh found himself caught in the internal conflicts of the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, including a serious doping scandal that derailed the chances of honest athletes like him.
Despite these challenges, Nooh’s outstanding performance in powerlifting has reinforced his status as one of Pakistan’s best athletes on the international stage. In Sun City, he secured seven gold medals and one bronze.
Sohail Sisters Shine
Pakistani powerlifters Twinkle Sohail, Sybil Sohail, and Veronika Sohail also made their mark by winning medals during their debut at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships.
In the classic events, Sybil won gold in the 47 kg category, Veronika took bronze in the 52 kg event, and Twinkle claimed a silver medal in the 84 kg category.
However, it was in the equipped events where the Sohail sisters truly excelled. Each won three gold medals in their respective weight categories across the squat, bench press, and deadlift, as well as for their overall performance, bringing home a total of 12 gold medals in the equipped events.
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