Weight off his shoulders as Aniq eyes comeback

CHONBURI: National weightlifter Aniq Kasdan (pic) may have missed out on a podium finish at the Thailand SEA Games, but he is choosing to focus on the positives from his outing.

Plagued by injuries in the lead-up to the Games, the 23-year-old Aniq viewed his performance as an encouraging sign that his recovery is on track.

Competing at the Chonburi Sports School Gymnasium, Aniq posted a total lift of 285kg – comprising 125kg in the snatch and 160kg in the clean and jerk – to finish fourth in the men’s 60kg category.

Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, Aniq was relieved to emerge from the competition injury-free.

“I’m sad that I didn’t make the podium, but to be honest, I’m also happy because I’m injury-free for the first time in a while,” said Aniq.

“Being able to compete without worrying about my injury allowed me to get back into my rhythm.

“It is a loss, and I’m sorry. But it’s also the start of my comeback after recovering.”

Aniq had been nursing a shoulder tendon injury during the World Championships in Norway in October, where he could only manage a total of 266kg.

Before that, the Johor-born athlete had lifted a total of 253kg at the Commonwealth Championships in India.

Aniq’s total weight was just four kilograms shy of third-place finisher K’ Duong of Vietnam.

Thailand’s Silachai Theerapong took home the gold medal with his total of 301kg, while Indonesia’s Saputra Ricko won silver with 295kg.