Commonwealth Games 2022: Rs5m cash reward for gold medalist Nooh Dastagir announced. Butt won the first gold medal for Pakistan in the CWG 2022 by lifting a total of 405 kilograms – 173 kg in snatch and 232 kg in clean and jerk
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Thursday announced a cash reward of Rs5 million for weightlifter Nooh Dastagir Butt who bagged the first gold medal for the country in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Butt won the first gold medal for Pakistan in the CWG 2022 in Birmingham by lifting a total of 405 kilograms – 173 kg in snatch and 232 kg in clean and jerk. It is a CWG record.
In recognition of his stellar performance at the international event, the PSB also announced Rs1 million for Judoka Shah Hussain.
Shah Hussain Shah won a bronze medal for Pakistan in Judo after defeating South African Thomas-Laszlo Breytenbach in Men’s -90 Kg event.
Talking to Geo News, PSB Director General Colonel (retd) Mohammad Asif Zaman said that he telephoned Nooh Dastagir and Shah Hussain and congratulated them for winning the medals.
As per the laws of the PSB, Rs50 million would be given for winning a gold medal, Rs20 million for silver, and Rs1 for a bronze medal, he said.
Nooh Dastagir Butt wins praise
It was a joyous moment for Pakistan late Wednesday when weightlifter Nooh Dastagir Butt bagged the first gold medal for the country in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.
Pakistanis celebrated the maiden gold by pouring out on social media and lavishing praise on the 24-year-old Pakistani athlete, soon after the Gujranwala-hailed weightlifter claimed his record lift.
Butt also bagged bronze in the last games held in 2018. He also won silver for Pakistan last year in December.
It is the second time Pakistan has won the gold medal in CWG’s weightlifting event. In 2006, Shujauddin Malik won the gold medal for Pakistan in the 85kg category.
During CWG 2022, Pakistan also won a bronze medal as judoka Shah Hussain Shah downed his South African opponent.
Shah entered the bronze medal bout after losing his first round earlier in the 90kg category. This was his first ever 90kg event as the Pakistani player has always played in the 100kg category.
Nooh dedicates achievement to his father
Talking to Geo News after the historic achievement for his country, the Gujranwala weightlifter said, “I thank God for winning the medal. I can’t express my feelings, I have been trying to win this game for the last seven years.”
“It was hard work and dedication that made me win this gold. Winning a medal for your country is always a proud moment. And, gold is something special.”
But continued, “It was not easy for me to lift such a heavy weight. But, I pulled off doing it with hard work of 12 to 13 years. I dedicate this gold to my father, who worked for 12 years and helped me reach this stage.”
The weightlifter said that his father trains him at home, saying, “My father was also an international weightlifter. And, my brother is also in this sport.”
People who congratulated Nooh Dastagir Butt include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Shehbaz in his Twitter reaction said, “Well done, Butt Saab.”
The official Twitter account of the Pakistan Cricket Board shared his photographs and called him a champion, wishing him more success in the future.
Felicitaciones , amigos de Pakistan por tan grande logro de este gran deportista.