Weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt’s record-breaking lift at the Commonwealth Games has won Pakistan its first gold medal in the competition taking place in Birmingham, UK.
Nooh Dastagir, who hails from Gujranwala, bagged gold medal with a record lift of 405kg while competing in the +109 kg category.
The 24-year-old set a new record of 173kg in the snatch portion of the event after lifting 170kg in his first attempt.
In the Clean and Jerk, he lifted 232kg, totaling 405kg to claim gold for Pakistan.
‘Well done, Butt saab’
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Nooh Butt on the achievement.
Social media was also full of praise for the athlete, with his hometown Gujranwala also trending on social media.
“Nooh Dastgir Butt, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, brings home gold,” wrote one user.
Others couldn’t hold back their emotions.
Cricketer Wahab Riaz congratulated Butt on fulfilling his promise to his father about winning gold at Commonwealth Games.
In the Judo event, Shah Hussain Shah won bronze by defeating his South African rival in the minus 90 kg category match.
This is Shah’s second podium finish at the Commonwealth Games, having won a silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Champion wrestler Inam Butt was among those who congratulated Shah on his achievement.
The young judoka, who participated in the 90kg bout for the first time, is the son of Olympic medalist boxer Hussain Shah.
Pakistan is now ranked 19th in the Commonwealth Games table with two medals including one gold and one bronze.