KARACHI: Nooh Dastgir Butt has made history, becoming the first Pakistani to secure seven gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in Sun City, South Africa.

Last week, Nooh made headlines by lifting a record 860 kg in the classic powerlifting event. He followed up in the equipped powerlifting category, lifting an impressive total of 850 kg in the +120 kg division with a deadlift of 300 kg, squat of 340 kg, and bench press of 210 kg. This remarkable performance outshined competitors from Sri Lanka and Wales.

A press release by the

Pakistan Powerlifting Federation confirmed that the championship took place from October 4 to October 13 in Sun City. Nooh’s return to international competition marks a powerful comeback after he faced challenges with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation, which denied him the opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Despite these setbacks, Nooh proved his resilience and talent, representing Pakistan with pride on the global stage.

Nooh wasn’t the only success story at the championship. The Sohail sisters—Twinkle, Sybil, and Veronika—made an unforgettable debut. In the classic events, Sybil won gold in the 47 kg category, Veronika earned bronze in the 52 kg event, and Twinkle claimed silver in the 84 kg category. Their triumphs continued in the equipped events, where each sister won three gold medals in squat, bench press, deadlift, and overall performance, earning 12 gold medals collectively.

Additionally, Pakistani powerlifter Hussain Raza took home a bronze in the 93 kg Masters 1 category.