
Talha Talib of Pakistan competes in the men’s 67kg weightlifting event, at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Talha has been a wonder kid throughout his trip to the Olympics, having overcome numerous challenges that would have crushed any average person. He missed the Asian Junior Championship in Korea for the first time.
The story of #TalhaTalib – the story you must know! pic.twitter.com/archh4xvF2
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) July 25, 2021
The weightlifting event from the South Asian Games was then removed from the Olympic qualification event. Finally, due to a lack of resources, Talha had to withdraw from international events.
Image source: Tribune
On Sunday, Pakistani weightlifter Talha Talib came within two kilos of making history in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, lifting a total of 320 kilograms. In the snatch, he set a new record by lifting 132 kg in the third attempt after lifting 127 kg and 130 kg in the first two tries, respectively.
#TalhaTalib could not win a medal 🥇, but won millions of hearts.
Despite no official or pvt Sector patronage of #Weightlifting in #Pakistan, he still made it to 5th position in #Tokyo2020 #OlympicGames .
Thank you #Talha
ذرا نم ہو تو یہ مٹی بہت زرخیز ہے ساقی pic.twitter.com/OSELlYtyO3— Abid Qaiyum Suleri (@Abidsuleri) July 25, 2021
On Monday, Dawn reported: “Talib’s 151kg lift in the Snatch category was the round’s second-best. His combined total of 320 was surpassed by others, including Zani, who lifted just 2kg more than Talib in his first Clean & Jerk attempt of 166kg. Even though he was successful for the same weight in his next attempt and also cleared 170kg later, his combined total of 320 was surpassed by others, including Zani, who lifted just 2kg more than Talib in his first Clean & Jerk attempt of 166kg.”
Talib’s achievement boosted Twitter’s mood, with several users wishing the young weightlifter well on the social media platform. He was congratulated in particular for having made it thus far without much help from the authorities.
He fell, but stood up and made Pakistan proud, great effort Talha Talib! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ic6TXdCXWT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 25, 2021
You’ve made us all very very proud! #TalhaTalib 🙌🏼🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/nblmscSCsj
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) July 25, 2021