Nooh Dastgir Butt, a prominent figure in Pakistan's weightlifting scene and a gold medalist at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, has voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing crisis in the country's weightlifting program. The situation, he argues, has not only hindered his career but has also deprived numerous talented lifters of valuable international competition opportunities.
In a recent interview with The Express Tribune, Nooh expressed his frustration, stating, "I am doing preparation, but how can you do it with a big heart when there is no participation in sight in any major event?" His sentiments reflect the broader discontent among athletes who feel sidelined due to administrative issues within the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF).
Nooh's troubles began when he attempted to resolve his issues with the PWF, only to find that the federation was subsequently banned by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). This ban has severely limited the opportunities for Pakistani weightlifters to compete on the international stage. "When I settled my affairs with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, it was banned by the International Weightlifting Federation," he lamented.
Despite being invited to trials for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, Nooh opted not to participate, citing a lack of confidence in the federation's ability to send a team. "Yes, I had been invited for the trials, but I did not go as I knew that nothing would happen and the team would not be sent," he explained. This decision underscores the uncertainty that many athletes face as they prepare for significant competitions.
Nooh also criticized the PWF for failing to send competitors to the recent Commonwealth Games, where he believes Pakistan had a strong chance of securing medals. He stated, "I have heard that one weightlifter is being sent to the Asian Games. I am surprised. If they are trying to do so, then why did they not try to send weightlifters to the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, where we could have won medals?" His confidence in his abilities is evident; he recalled lifting 405kg at the Birmingham Games, significantly surpassing the gold-winning lift of 389kg at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
He mentioned other capable athletes like Talha Talib, his brother Hanzala Dastgir Butt, and Haider Ali, all of whom could have contributed to Pakistan's medal tally. The missed opportunities have left Nooh and his peers feeling frustrated and disheartened.
Looking ahead, Nooh has shifted his focus to the South Asian Games, which Pakistan is set to host early next year. "Now I want to do my best in the South Asian Games. As I will be competing on home soil, I want to pull off a stunning performance," he stated, showing his determination to succeed despite the challenges.
Nooh also has his sights set on the 2028 Olympics, expressing hope that the weightlifting crisis will be resolved in time for him to qualify. However, he remains concerned about the current state of affairs: "I am working hard, but there is nothing solid in sight. If you don’t have a target, how can you go for full-fledged preparation?" His reflections reveal the deep uncertainty that surrounds not only his future but that of the entire weightlifting community in Pakistan.
The PWF is currently under an IWF ban due to doping-related violations, with several officials facing life bans. The federation must also settle a significant fine, estimated at around $30,000, to lift the ban and restore competitive opportunities for its athletes. Recent reports indicate that meetings within the PWF have been conducted by officials who themselves are banned, raising concerns about governance and compliance with international regulations.
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