Asian Weightlifting Championship postponement helps Pakistan: says Nooh Dastgir
The postponement of the Asian Weightlifting Championship due to COVID-19 pandemic will help Pakistan’s leading weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt to flex his muscles in the continental event which is yet to be rescheduled.
The postponement of the Asian Weightlifting Championship due to COVID-19 pandemic will help Pakistan’s leading weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt to flex his muscles in the continental event which is yet to be rescheduled.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist was on the verge of missing the previously scheduled Asian Championship for April 16-25 in Tashkent because of injury.
“He could have missed the event as we had information that he was injured. We had sent his entry and if he recovers then definitely Nooh will be given a chance in the Asian Championship which also acts as qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics,” Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) secretary Amjad Amin Butt said.
In 2018 in Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Gujranwala-born Nooh got bronze in the 105kg plus completions. He won the bronze medal in 105+ kg weightlifting competition. After lifting 173 kg in snatch, he lifted 222 kg in his first attempt to clean and jerk to confirm his medal. In an attempt to turn it into a bar of gold, Nooh attempted 228 kg in second and 231 kg in the third attempt but failed to do it.
Butt, himself a former weightlifter, said that Pakistan would take chance in the continental event through Nooh (if fit) and Talha Talib who is in great form. A few days ago, Talha told this correspondent that he was working hard and the delay in Olympics would help him prepare much better for the continental championship.
Butt said that he has not yet received any updates about the future schedule of the Asian Championship.
“I have checked the mail and we have received no email about the event, neither from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) nor from the Asian Weightlifting Federation,” he said.
He said that all weightlifters were training at their homes because of the coronavirus issue. When asked whether training at home could increase injury chances, Butt said weightlifters did not go for more weight at home but only try to keep themselves fit.
He said that all weightlifters are safe from COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have got information from all stakeholders and provincial and district associations and we have come to know that all our weightlifters are safe,” Butt said.
