By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Commonwealth Games hero and weightlifting star Nooh Dastagir Butt is set for a high-profile return at the VIRUS Weightlifting Finals & UMWF World Championships, to be held from December 3–6, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Famously dubbed the “Hulk of Pakistan” after his record-breaking show at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the three-time international strongman and powerlifting champion is eyeing nothing less than gold in his comeback — his first international weightlifting appearance in three years after a prolonged dispute with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF).
During his absence, Nooh earned multiple gold medals in powerlifting and strongman events in Uzbekistan, South Africa and beyond. With the federation dispute now resolved through the efforts of Madam Nuzhat and Hafiz Jibran Butt, he has been cleared to represent Pakistan again. His comeback is being backed by Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, CEO ACTIVIT and Director National Hospital DHA Lahore, who has been sponsoring his training, nutrition and medical needs.
“I am grateful to Rd. Rizwan for supporting me and even helping with my parents’ medical needs. Now I have only one mission — to win international gold medals for Pakistan,” said an emotional Nooh, who trains daily in Gujranwala under the guidance of his father and former weightlifter Ghulam Dastagir.
His mother praised his relentless efforts, saying: “Our home feels like a training ground. His dedication is unmatched, and our greatest joy will be to see him win more medals for Pakistan.”
To further sharpen his skills, a post-tournament training camp in the U.S. is planned, giving him exposure to international coaches and world-class facilities. His roadmap includes the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, with the ultimate goal of global dominance.
Rd. Rizwan summed it up: “I want Nooh to leave a legacy that inspires generations. My only expectation is victory — for him to raise Pakistan’s flag high and become synonymous with excellence in world sport.”
