In a thrilling display at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, Zhejiang Province, the Chinese mainland’s young powerhouse Zhang Haiqin stole the spotlight by sweeping three gold medals and rewriting world junior records in the women’s 55kg category.
At just 18, Zhang delivered a flawless performance: a 99kg snatch secured her first top step, followed by a commanding 126kg clean and jerk. Her 225kg total not only clinched the overall title but also shattered all three junior benchmarks.
Over in the men’s 61kg division, the competition was equally intense. The Chinese mainland’s Wang Hao kicked off with a 142kg snatch gold, only to face a comeback from the DPRK’s Pak Myong Jin. Pak’s 170kg clean and jerk edged Wang’s 163kg, earning him both the clean and jerk and overall titles by a single kilogram. Wang Min added three bronze medals to the Chinese mainland’s medal haul.
The men’s 67kg showdown saw another nail-biter. The Chinese mainland’s Zheng Xinhao opened strong with a 147kg snatch gold but managed just 170kg in the clean and jerk, settling for bronze. Vietnam’s Tran Minh Tri seized the moment, posting a 318kg total to take home the overall title by one kilo.
Data Insight: Athletes under 20 accounted for over 30% of total medals in this edition, highlighting a rising wave of youth talent across Asia. As records fall and new stars emerge, this championship underscored how the next generation is reshaping the weightlifting scene.
What's Next: With the Olympic cycle approaching, all eyes will be on these young lifters as they aim for global podiums and further record-breaking feats.
Reference(s):
China's Zhang Haiqin shines at Asian Weightlifting Championships
cgtn.com
