Pakistani athlete, Talha Talib, is receiving immense appreciation after he secured the fifth spot in weightlifting in Tokyo Olympics following a tough fight.
Weightlifter Talha Talib from Gujranwala missed out on a rare opportunity to win a maiden gold medal for Pakistan. The 21-year-old athlete made his Olympic debut with a promising performance in the 67kgs men weightlifting competition. For a while, he led the race but was soon taken over by other weightlifters from China, Colombia, and Italy in final attempts.
https://twitter.com/talha_tlb/status/1419372773005139968?s=20
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Proud of you Talha Talib 🇵🇰 💚 🏋️#Weightlifting #OlympicGames #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/pDom5uuxHj
— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) July 25, 2021
It’s incredible what @talha_tlb has achieved on his own 👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/3Yu7Ei6uJz
— fatima bhutto 🇵🇸🇱🇧 (@fbhutto) July 25, 2021
Talha talib … a new star on the horizon. Thanks for making 🇵🇰 proud!
— Sami Ul Hasan (@Samiburney) July 25, 2021
That was an absolutely remarkable effort Talha! insha'Allah you will make it next time. You made us proud ⭐🙏🏽#Tokyo2020 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/ORZ9HRhZam
— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) July 25, 2021
Talha Talib has become the first weightlifter to represent Pakistan in Olympics in 44 years that too without a formal coach and standard training facility.
The young Pakistani athlete lifted 151kg in the Snatch category and was the second-best in the round. He failed his first Clean and Jerk attempt. Even though he was successful for the same weight in his next attempt and also cleared 170 kg later. His combined total of 320kg was surpassed by another athlete, Zani. Talib fell short of 2kgs for the bronze medal.
He, however, gained humongous admiration back home. Praises and appreciation flowed for him across Pakistani Twitter. The athlete proved his mettle despite no professional training and lack of resources.
Pakistanis are delighted to see him put in a good fight and hope he will gain big in the next Olympics. Calls, however, are made by the people of Pakistan to provide better facilities to the athletes to enable them to compete with international athletes.
Talib also expressed gratitude to the people of Pakistan for encouraging him. He voiced his resolve to train hard and perform better in the future.
Ur passion & hard work leads u to be a Achiever. Congratulations #TalhaTalib 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #Olympics . U made Pakistan 🇵🇰 proud. Ppl or federations not supporting Athletes like u by not providing necessary facilities should be accountable pic.twitter.com/GjxsAmFEJQ
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) July 25, 2021
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There has already been a discussion around the role and supposed failure of the Pakistan Olympic Association since only 10 athletes are representing Pakistan. People have expressed anger at the low participation level in Tokyo Olympics. They have urged the government to take into accountability the officials heading the Pakistan Olympic Association.