Aniq to compete in lighter category, but his hopes and dreams remain heavy

PETALING JAYA: A new year, a new weight category for weightlifter Aniq Kasdan.

The 22-year-old is determined to chart more successes for Malaysia in his sport.

Aniq, who is from Johor, will compete in a new category, namely the 60kg after the 61kg event he previously participated in will no longer be contested.

“I will change to a new category this year. It’s not that difficult but I will have to drop another 1kg from 61kg to 60kg category,” he said.

“So I don’t even know who my opponents are, maybe the same person or someone else, but I know what my hopes and dreams are.

“I want to try to achieve the maximum performance in the competitions I am going to participate in this year.

“My hope for 2025 is that I want a better result than 2024 and I want to try to get the best performance.

“I will try my best for Malaysia and all those who support me.’’

Aniq came close to making history when he won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics last year after amassing a total lift of 297kg in the 61kg category.

But Aniq’s hopes of finishing on the podium was denied by Morris Hampton from the United States, who did a total lift of 298kg.

Aniq also made the nation proud by winning two silver medals at the World Weightlifting Championships in Manama, Bahrain, last month.

Competing in the 61kg category, Aniq carried a total weight of 296kg in the overall standings to win silver and showed his prowess in the clean and jerk with a lift of 166kg, which saw him finishing second in the standings.