ISLAMABAD: Weightlifter Talha Talib clinched a gold medal for Pakistan at the 5th International Solidarity Weightlifting Championships being held in Cairo, Egypt. Talib won the gold for lifting 136kg in the snatch category, and a silver for 155kg clean and jerk lift. He claimed another silver medal for lifting 291kg overall. In the 67kg class, Pakistan were ranked at second position, with hosts Egypt at the top and Saudi Arabia coming in at third. The athletes get three medals for snatch, clean and jerk and over-all performance at the championships. Earlier this year in April, Talha Talib also won a bronze medal at Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. He claimed the award in the 62kg category, lifting a total of 283kg, and also established a new record at the competition by lifting 132kg in snatch. “This is a good performance and we were expecting the medals,” Pakistan Weightlifting Federation official Muhammad Rashed Malik said. “He is gaining popularity in the international circle and we are hoping for him and Nooh Dastagir Butt to qualify for the Olympics. “At the ISSF Championship, Talha was among the youngest athletes there and it had the best talent from Islamic countries, especially Arab countries.” Published in Daily Times, December 12th 2018.