Highlights
- Pakistani weightlifter Talha Talib makes Olympic debut at Tokyo
- Talha had no official coach, no Olympic-level equipment for practice
- The 21-year-old stood fifth, only 2kg short of a medal
Olympic weightlifter Talha Talib’s name became a top trend on Twitter earlier this week even though he left Tokyo without winning a medal.
Having reached this far in the men’s 67kg weightlifting competition without practising on Olympic-level equipment and a coach, Talha is very pleased with his performance and now has his eyes set on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He stood fifth in the competition and fell short of the medal only by 2kg.
Soon after reaching Pakistan from Japan, Talha told SBS Urdu that he still remembers the support he received at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
I still remember my bronze medal win in the Commonwealth Games 2018 held in Gold Coast where the crowd cheered me to boost my morale every time I went to lift weights
While cheering Talha on, social media users have also been calling the Pakistan Olympic Association “inactive” for the country’s low representation at the event. But Talha is tightlipped about this subject despite his pleas to support sportspersons.
He was supported only by his family and friends who made arrangements for him to train in a makeshift gym without the equipment required to prepare for an event like the Olympics.
The 21-year-old told SBS Urdu that his father dipped into his savings to purchase locally-available exercise equipment for him. He also entered the competition without training under a professional coach, an issue that has echoed on social media in Pakistan and overseas.
Olympic weightlifter Talha Talib’s name became a top trend on Twitter earlier this week even though he left Tokyo without winning a medal. Source: Talha Talib
I feel for other youngsters whose talent might go to waste without proper training facilities
He heartily appreciated the support from his family, especially from his father who also was a weightlifter and played a vital role in Talha's upbringing as an athlete.
“My father started my training when I was eight and he still maintains my diet plan and exercise schedule”, Talha added.
Talha has been cheered by the general public as much as Pakistan’s sports stars on social media.
The weightlifter said he is looking forward to making his mark in the Commonwealth Games and then the World Championship scheduled in October. Source: Talha Talib
Shabaash @talha_tlb! You won the hearts and you'll win an Olympic medal next time for sure. To, all the policy makers, sponsors and people in charge please Respect the sweat 🙏🏽
#Olympicspic.twitter.com/VUhD7SgDyT
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) July 26, 2021
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