Ace Pakistan weightlifter Nooh Butt gears up for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Pakistan’s top weightlifter, Nooh Dastgir Butt, has been undergoing rigorous training for the past two months as he sets his sights on defending his title at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

"I began my preparations for the Commonwealth Games two months ago, and if I am selected for national duty, I will definitely compete in the 2026 edition in Glasgow," Nooh told Nukta.

"Even if I am not called up, I will still train at the highest level. This time, I am focusing on quality preparation so that if I do get the opportunity to compete in Glasgow, I can claim the gold medal again," he added.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow.

Nooh previously won gold in the +109kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He lifted 173kg in the snatch and 232kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 405kg—setting a new Games record.

However, his weightlifting career later suffered a setback due to tensions with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF), which does not officially recognize him. The federation itself is embroiled in controversies at both national and international levels due to doping-related issues.

Nukta has learned that Nooh is open to reconciling with the PWF for the sake of representing Pakistan, but so far, there has been no positive response from the federation. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has already suspended the PWF and recently invalidated its elections.

Internationally, several weightlifters and some PWF officials have faced suspensions due to doping violations. The International Testing Agency (ITA) has already released reports on the issue, and more officials could face similar consequences.

Before the Commonwealth Games, Pakistan is set to host the South Asian Games, and Nooh plans to participate in that event as well. "This is why I have returned to weightlifting and am consistently putting in hard work," he explained.

Furthermore, Nooh aims to compete in the World Powerlifting Championship, scheduled to be held in Germany in June.

When asked how he plans to balance both weightlifting and powerlifting, Nooh expressed confidence in managing both disciplines.

"There is no major challenge in handling both. Powerlifting exercises like deadlifts and squats are already part of a weightlifter's daily routine," he said.

"However, the primary focus should be on one discipline. Initially, I was preparing for the World Powerlifting Championship, but when I was advised to get ready for the National Games in weightlifting, I decided to take it seriously since the Commonwealth and South Asian Games are also coming up," Nooh explained.

"Powerlifting is not too difficult for me, and I believe I can secure a podium finish at this World Championship. If I win a medal this time, I will be in an even better position to claim gold in all three events next time," he added.

"I also aim to break the powerlifting world record—not this year, but definitely in 2026, inshaAllah, as I see a strong possibility," Nooh revealed.

Speaking about his preparations, Nooh shared his efforts to maintain peak fitness.

"I had gained a significant amount of weight, but during Ramadan, I focused on cutting down. So far, I have lost ten kilograms and plan to shed more to reach my ideal physique for the Commonwealth Games," he said.

"This will also help me extend my career. Right now, I am completely focused and avoid distractions since there is only about a year left until the Commonwealth Games," Nooh emphasized.

"During Ramadan, I go to the gym at 4 pm and return home for Iftar. Then, from 10 pm to midnight, I complete another training session," he shared.

Nooh is an immensely talented athlete with the potential for a remarkable career. He had a strong chance of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, but his ongoing conflict with the PWF prevented him from participating in the qualifiers. Similarly, he missed the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games due to the same issue.

If the PWF reinstates Nooh, it could significantly enhance Pakistan's chances of securing a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.