Pisol lifts Malaysia onto medal tally at CWG

GLASGOW: National back-up weightlifter Mohd Pisol Zulhelmi won Malaysia's first medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games when he managed a silver in the men's 56kg event on Thursday.

The Penangite managed a total lift of 245kg to finish behind India's Dey Sukhen, who won the gold with a total lift of 248kg. India also took the bronze through Mali Ganesh with 244kg.

Malaysia's other contestant Mohd Faisal Baharom withdrew due to injury.

A delighted Pisol said he knew he had a chance to finish on the podium.

"I am happy all the hard work has paid dividends," said Pisol.

Women weightlifter Syarifah Inani Najwa Syed Omar withdrew from the 48kg contest on Thursday due to injury.

The Malaysian weightlifting Federation (MWF) have targeted to bring home more than five medals, including two gold medals.

The men’s team comprise of Constantine Clement (62kg), Hafifi and Mohd Azril Huzairi Ramli (69kg), Abdul Mubin Rahim and Loro Wellkinson Peuji (both 77kg) and Mohd Faiz Musa (94kg).

The women's team comprise of Azizah Fadzil (53kg), Frenceay Titus (58kg) and Nur Jannah Batrisyah (above 75kg).

For the record, Malaysia have not returned empty handed since the 1994 Victoria Games.

Their best performance to date was at the 2002 Manchester Games in which they bagged their biggest haul of eight medals (three gold and five bronzes).