“I have only one mission that is to win international gold medals for Pakistan.” –Nooh Butt

These words, spoken with teary-eyed determination by Nooh Dastagir Butt, don’t just echo the ambitions of an athlete. They roar with the voice of a nation that has seen one of its brightest stars rise, fall, and rise again - stronger, sharper, and more focused than ever.

After three long years away from the international Olympic weightlifting scene, Pakistan’s very own “Hulk” is finally set to return, and not just return, but conquer. Nooh Butt is gearing up for the VIRUS Weightlifting Finals & UMWF World Championships, slated to take place from December 3 to 6, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. This isn’t just a sporting event for Nooh, it’s redemption. It’s payback. It’s gold or nothing.

The ‘Hulk’ Returns: This time, he’s on a mission

Nooh’s name isn’t just famous in Pakistan. His performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games etched his image into international memory, a powerhouse of strength who lifted not just barbells but the hopes of millions. He didn’t just win gold; he shattered records and hearts alike. But just as his star was rising, off-the-field disputes pulled him off his course.

The dispute with the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation (PWF) that kept him off international Olympic lifting platforms for three years was one of the most frustrating chapters in Pakistan’s sporting history. Yet, Nooh never stopped. He turned adversity into fuel. While others faded, he remained unbroken, shining in strongman and powerlifting contests, bringing back gold medals from Uzbekistan, South Africa, and more.

A Resolved Dispute, A Reignited Dream

The deadlock with the federation is finally over. Thanks to the efforts of Madam Nuzhat and Hafiz Jibran Butt at the PWF, bridges were rebuilt, and Nooh is officially back in Pakistan’s international weightlifting camp.

But behind every great athlete is a patron who believes not just in numbers, but in dreams. Enter Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, CEO of ACTIVIT and Director of National Hospital DHA Lahore, who took Nooh under his wing at a time when hope was scarce and resources even scarcer.

He didn’t just sponsor training and nutrition, he supported Nooh’s family, ensuring his parents’ medical needs were met. “This man didn’t just fund my career,” said an emotional Nooh, “he helped me keep my parents healthy. He restored my faith. Now I train not just to win, but to honour those who stood by me.”

A Family Dream Forged
in Sweat

Nooh trains in Gujranwala, his hometown, under the watchful eye of his father, Ghulam Dastagir Butt, a former weightlifting champion himself. For this family, lifting isn’t a hobby, it’s heritage.“Our home is a gym now,” said Nooh’s mother proudly. “From dawn to dusk, it’s all about discipline, meals, workouts, recovery. His father doesn’t rest until both sessions are done. His dream is to see our son raise Pakistan’s flag at the world stage again.”

Nooh’s eyes sparkle when he talks about his father. “Whatever I am, I owe to him,” he said. “My strength, my mindset, my discipline, it’s all his gift. Now it’s my turn to give back by fulfilling our shared dream.”

From Florida to the World: Pakistan’s Flag will rise again

But Nooh’s journey doesn’t end in Florida. It begins there. Rd. Rizwan has already mapped out the next chapters. A training camp in the United States post-tournament, followed by the 2026 Commonwealth Games, then the Asian Games, and finally, the Olympic qualifiers, all aimed at global weightlifting dominance.

Rd. Rizwan has a very great mission rather a vision. For him, Nooh must become a legend. Not just for Pakistan, but for the sport itself.

And this vision is powered by belief, not in medals alone, but in legacy. According to him, victory is the only option. He sees gold not just on the podium, but in the pages of history where Nooh’s name will be remembered forever.

Why This Comeback Matters: A Nation’s Narrative

In a country starved for sporting structure and recognition, Nooh Butt’s return is not just a personal comeback but it’s a national reckoning.

Too often, our sporting heroes fall victim to broken systems. Too often, talent gets buried under bureaucracy. But Nooh didn’t just wait, he trained harder. He didn’t just complain, he competed elsewhere, won, and stayed relevant. And now, with backing from the right people, he’s poised to silence every doubter.

Pakistan needs icons, not just to win medals, but to inspire the next generation. Nooh is that icon.

Many athletes come and fade away after politics or injuries stall their careers. But Nooh Butt is different. His resilience is defiant. His humility is disarming. His strength, both physical and emotional, is a beacon for what Pakistani athletes can achieve when supported and believed in.

When Nooh walks onto that stage in Florida, he won’t be walking alone. He will carry the weight of a nation, yes, but also its hopes, its pride, and its promise. And when the barbell rises, so too will Pakistan’s flag.

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