LAHORE: Commonwealth Games gold medalist Nooh Dastgir Butt has blamed Pakistan’s sports authorities for his absence from the Paris Olympics.
The weightlifter expressed deep disappointment over the lack of support and opportunities provided to him to qualify for the prestigious sporting event. In an interview, Butt highlighted the disparity between his achievements and the support he received. He pointed out that a New Zealand athlete, whom he defeated at the Commonwealth Games, was able to secure a spot in the Olympics.
Nooh emphasised the crucial role of international training and participation in qualifying events, both of which were denied to him. He accused the authorities of hindering his career progression and preventing him from representing Pakistan on the global stage.
The weightlifter further elaborated on the challenges he has faced in his career, pinpointing the sports institutions as the primary obstacle. He appealed to the government to provide him with a platform to compete internationally and prepare for future events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.