Pakistan’s weight-lifter, Talha Talib, became an instant sensation as he overcame all odds to finish at the fifth spot in the 67 kg weightlifting competition in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Despite being offered little support from the authorities in the country, Talha managed to exceed expectations and missed out on a bronze medal by just 2 kg.
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Talha’s magnificent achievement was hailed across social media platforms as people appreciated the effort of the 21-year old. His achievement also helped shed light on the poor facilities and the conditions the athletes have to train in and caused an uproar in the community on the poor management by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
Talha is one of only ten athletes from Pakistan to take part in the Olympics this year, and the people started questioning the authorities on their failure to promote different sports in the countries. Despite all the poor decisions by the authorities, Talha was hailed as a hero of the nation.
Let’s check out some of the best social media reactions:
You’ve made us all very very proud! #TalhaTalib 🙌🏼🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/nblmscSCsj
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) July 25, 2021
He fell, but stood up and made Pakistan proud, great effort Talha Talib! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ic6TXdCXWT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 25, 2021
Standing Ovation for our Hero #TalhaTalib
He did his Best, He made us Proud
He is young
He can do wonders in future
Shabash Talha, Hamay Ap Pe Fakhar Hai #PakistanInTokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/ZP5LB55GkP— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews) July 25, 2021
Hats off to #TalhaTalib!! Welldone Talha for making the whole country proud of you. Remarkable achievement despite challenges, lack of facilities and support.
Pakistan Sports Board needs to wake up. Major improvements needed. #SupportPakistanTalent #Olympics pic.twitter.com/z11bqL1hZK— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) July 25, 2021
No matter if it was only for 2 hours but the whole Pakistan fell in love with a sport different than Cricket.
Talha Talib, consider this a victory! You are a Hero! You have made Pakistan proud! You gave your Best!#Olympics pic.twitter.com/fmDrXEi493
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) July 25, 2021
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https://twitter.com/76Shadabkhan/status/1419280792497311747
Ur passion & hard work leads u to be a Achiever. Congratulations #TalhaTalib 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #Olympics . U made Pakistan 🇵🇰 proud. Ppl or federations not supporting Athletes like u by not providing necessary facilities should be accountable pic.twitter.com/GjxsAmFEJQ
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) July 25, 2021
A boy from #Gujranwala Talha Talib making history in #Tokyo2020 with no basic facilities, practiced in local gyms, no world class level professional training – I am not crying you are!!! #Weightlifting pic.twitter.com/0IHDC5GhVO
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) July 25, 2021
One guy Talha Talib making entire country watch & cheer weightlifting without knowing any rules or point system, inspiring a generation, power of sports.
— Osama. (@ashaqeens) July 25, 2021
Talha Talib sitting there on his own with no coach to support him, his dad is his coach but the President of Weightlifting Federation Hafiz Imran Butt is accompanying Talha and not his coach.
Mahoor Shahzad has Badminton Fed Gen Sec and not her coach.
— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) July 25, 2021
21 years old Talha Talib without any proper training facilities came close to winning a medal for Pakistan is an achievement itself. Hope that wakes up the Govt. and they do something about sports men and women who can make the country proud.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) July 25, 2021
People are hopeful that Talha’s inspiring journey could prove to be a turning point for sports in the country. The 21-year old weightlifter is seen as the shining light in sports in the country, and many believe he will achieve bigger and better things in the next few years.
