Aniq setback fails to derail surge in weightlifting

BANGKOK: Much hope rested on Road to Gold athlete Aniq Kasdan to give weightlifting a big boost at the SEA Games.

But a shoulder tendon injury dashed the 23-year-old’s medal hopes in the men’s 60kg category.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games champion had to settle for a fourth sport after lifting 285kg.

While Aniq faded, the others shone brightly to ensure that the team returned home with one of their best medal hauls in recent Games.

They won three silver and two bronze medals. It’s a good outing, considering they came back with one bronze through Nur Syazwani Radzi in the women’s 64kg category at the last edition in Cambodia.

Team manager Adzahar Derani said the team had exceeded expectations.

“The team’s achievement this time is something to be proud of.

‘‘The National Sports Council (NSC) had set a target of three bronzes,” said Adzahar.

At the Games, the 21-year-old debutant Mohd Syahmi Nor Ghazali caught the eye when he captured silver in the men’s 94kg category after lifting 353kg.

Erry Hidayat and Aznil Bidin also won silver in the men’s 79kg and 65kg respectively.

The bronze medallists were Mohd Farris Haikal (men’s above 94kg) and Siti Aqilah Farhana Draman (women’s above 77kg).

“The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) did set Aznil a gold medal target.

“He did not achieve it but he gave everything and won silver,” said Adzahar.

“For Aniq, we hoped he could win a medal but he could not perform at his best due to injury.

“Overall though, this is one of the best achievements for weightlifting in the SEA Games.

“Erry and Syahmi went beyond expectations as we only aimed for bronze in both and they won silver. They have a very strong mentality,” added Adzahar.

Aznil and Aniq did not compete at the last Games as they were involved in other tournaments that awarded qualification points for the Paris Olympics last year.

Adzahar believes the team were on the right track for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.

“We will keep monitoring their performances in training and tournaments to help them stay away from injuries,” said Adzahar.