Nooh Butt Makes History – Pakistan’s Powerlifting Sensation Claims Gold in South Africa

Pakistani weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt continues to shine on the global stage, making history in his latest international competition.

On Thursday, Butt made a stunning debut at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Classic and Equipped Championships in South Africa, securing gold in the squat event.

The Pride of Performance Award winner and Commonwealth Games champion lifted 370kg in his first-ever powerlifting competition at Sun City, South Africa, becoming the first Pakistani to win a powerlifting gold medal.

“Won gold at the Commonwealth Classic Powerlifting Championships 2024,” Butt announced on Instagram, adding, “Stop me if you can, this Butt isn’t stopping!” He also expressed gratitude to his supporters.

Butt will now compete in the bench press and deadlift events, where he is expected to win two more gold medals and secure the overall championship title in the 120kg+ category. His goal is to bring home four gold medals.

Hailing from Gujranwala, Pakistan’s top hub for weightlifters and wrestlers, Butt has been lifting weights since age 11. By 18, he had already made a mark on the international stage.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he set new records in the snatch, clean-and-jerk, and total weight categories. “I owe it all to my father, who has trained me all these years,” Butt said.