Lahore: Pakistan’s premier weightlifter and powerlifter, Nooh Dastagir Butt, has dedicated his recent double gold-medal triumph in Uzbekistan to his parents, acknowledging their great support and sacrifices throughout his sporting journey.
The Commonwealth champion delivered another remarkable performance on the international stage by securing two gold medals at the International World Strongman Competitions held in Uzbekistan. Nooh first claimed gold in Khiva before adding a second title in Tashkent, further enhancing his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished strength athletes.
Speaking after his victories, Nooh expressed heartfelt gratitude to his parents, crediting them for standing by him during the most challenging phases of his career. “After Allah Almighty, my parents have been my greatest source of strength and support. They never allowed me to lose hope during difficult times and always encouraged me to keep striving for excellence,” Nooh said.
“Their constant motivation gives me additional energy and determination to perform for my country, my people and my family. These achievements are a reflection of their sacrifices and strong belief in me,” the strongman remarked.
Nooh also paid special tribute to his mentor and sponsor, Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmad, CEO of ACTIVIT and Director of National Hospital, for providing comprehensive support that has played a key role in his development as a professional athlete. “I am highly grateful to Rizwan Aftab Ahmad for his great support and commitment. His guidance and assistance have transformed me into a better athlete and a more focused professional. The support I have received has enabled me to pursue my goals with greater confidence and determination,” he said.
The Commonwealth champion emphasised that his recent success has further strengthened his resolve to continue bringing international honours to Pakistan. He reaffirmed his ambition to compete at the highest level and ultimately secure an Olympic gold medal for the country.
“With the support of my parents and well-wishers, I am committed to winning more international medals for Pakistan. My ultimate goal is to stand atop the podium at the Los Angeles Olympics and win a gold medal for my country, just as Arshad Nadeem made history by becoming Pakistan’s individual Olympic gold medallist,” he added.
It is worth mentioning here that Nooh Butt first gained international recognition with a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games before claiming gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a record-breaking 405kg total. After recovering from injury, he won silver at the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and later captured Pakistan’s first gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a record-breaking 405kg lift, earning the Pride of Performance award.
Despite setbacks that affected his Olympic ambitions, he successfully transitioned to powerlifting and strongman events, winning Commonwealth Powerlifting gold and setting an Asian squat record in 2024. He also claimed gold at the Pahlavon Mahmud Strongman Games before securing two gold medals at the World Strongman Championship in Uzbekistan in 2025. His latest success adds another glorious chapter to Pakistan’s sporting history.