With a record lift of 405 kg, weightlifter Nooh Dastagir Butt of Pakistan won the gold medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
This is Pakistan’s first gold medal in any competition at the current games taking place in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Hussain Shah earned the first medal of the competition earlier, a bronze medal. However, Butt’s victory in the first gold medal gave Pakistan a highlight.
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PM Shehbaz congratulated the winner
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Pakistani athlete who provided this proud moment for Pakistan.
Well done, Butt saab. https://t.co/C87hZIO8q9
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 3, 2022
Nooh Dastagir Butt broke the previous Commonwealth Games record by snatching 173 kg in the 109+ kg division. Butt also broke a record by performing a clean and jerk with 232 kg. He set another CWG record by lifting 405 kg in total.
David Andrew of New Zealand won silver by heaving 394 kg, and Singh Gurdeep of India took home bronze by heaving 390 kg.
Earlier, In the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Butt had got a bronze medal in the 105+kg category. In the same games, Talha Talib also bagged bronze in the 62kg category.
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In 2006, Shujauddin Malik won the only gold for Pakistan in the 85kg category in CWG’s weightlifting event.
Butt’s reaction on winning
Butt, who won first gold medal for Pakistan in CWG 2022, thanked his friends and family members for all-out support.
“This wasn’t possible without the support and prayers of my friends and family members,” Butt told reporters after record victory. “I dedicate this gold medal to my father, who worked for 12 years and helped me reach this stage,” the Gujranwala weightlifter said.
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Butt recalled his journey and said he can fully understand the worth of a gold medal. “It took me sheer hard work and dedication to win this gold. Winning a medal for your country is always a proud moment, and gold is something special,” highlighted Butt who won a bronze medal in CWG 2018.