The Asian Weightlifting Championships continued on Tuesday in Gandhinagar, India, with China and North Korea sharing the gold medals on the second day of competition. A total of four major international records were set during the day, including two senior world records, one Asian record, and two World Junior Records.
China’s Zhao Jinlan dominated the women’s 53 kg category, winning all three gold medals with a total of 216 kg (95+121). Vietnam’s Nguyen Hoai Huong secured silver with 195 kg, while India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav claimed bronze just one kilogram behind on 194 kg (88+106).
Yadav provided the home crowd with a memorable moment after setting a new Indian national record and personal best in the snatch with 88 kg. The battle for silver and bronze remained close throughout the competition, separated by only 1 kg in the total.
One of the pre-event favourites, Kang Hyon Gyong of North Korea, failed all three snatch attempts at 93 kg and did not continue in the clean & jerk. India’s Koyel Bar competed as a guest athlete and finished with a total of 188 kg.
North Korea’s Kim Il Gyong took the overall title in the women’s 58 kg category with 230 kg (105+125). Her 105 kg snatch established a new Asian record. China’s Wei Tingna finished second with 225 kg and set World Junior Records in the snatch with 101 kg and in the total. Vietnam’s Thi Tam Quang completed the podium with 221 kg.
India’s Bindyarani Devi finished fifth overall with 203 kg (89+114). China’s Liu Mengjia withdrew from the competition after sustaining an elbow injury following her successful 99 kg snatch attempt.
The men’s 65 kg category saw China’s He Yueji produce the standout performance of the day. He won gold with a total of 329 kg (146+183), setting new world records in the clean & jerk and total.
North Korea’s Pak Myong-jin finished second with 321 kg, while China’s Ding Hongjie secured bronze with 319 kg.
