LAHORE: Pakistan’s talented weightlifter Talha Talib, who put up an impressive show at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, on Friday said lack of facilities and resources were the major reasons for not earning any medal.

“I had no proper training facilities to get the best training for the Tokyo Olympics,” the 21-year-old Talha said while addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club after arriving from Tokyo in the small hours of Friday.

“I did not have an appropriate place to continue my training.”

The Gujranwala-born Talha, who remained fifth in the 67kg category, lifted 320kg which was just two kilograms less than the weight lifted by bronze medallist Mirko Zanni of Italy. Talha’s lift of 151kg in snatch category was the second-best of the round.

Despite all hurdles, Talha said, he lifted his best weight which he said was encouraging for him.

The promising athlete dispelled the impression that he failed to clinch the medal because he had no coach with him. However, he said it was a fact that every player should have the entire support staff to get full training, particularly for a mega event like Olympics.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2021