PETALING JAYA: National weightlifter Aniq Kasdan got a boost in confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Games after bringing home silver from the Asian Championships in India.
The 23-year-old, competing in the 60kg category, finished second and clinched three silver medals with a total lift of 277kg, comprising 122kg in the snatch and 155kg in the clean and jerk in Gandhinagar on Tuesday (May 12).
North Korea’s Pang Un-chol finished first with a 130kg snatch, 174kg clean and jerk, for a 304kg total.
Third place went to Lai Gia Thanh of Vietnam, whose 267kg total came from a 121kg snatch and 146kg clean and jerk.
The Asian meet was Aniq’s final outing before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to Aug 2, and it has given him a boost in confidence ahead of the trip to Scotland.
"I’m thankful to have been able to bring back silver from the championship in India. This is the final tournament for me before competing at the Commonwealth Games," said Aniq.
"I’m glad to have been on the podium even though I did not deliver the strongest result.
"I am not fully satisfied with my performance, but I am grateful to be injury-free."
Meanwhile, Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) president Datuk Ayub Rahmat said Aniq had room for improvement, but nonetheless showed promise ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
"We want to wish Aniq a big congratulations. But from the federation, we are not satisfied with the total lift weight.
"However, what’s important is that Aniq is headed for the Commonwealth Games. We hope he can get closer to his Paris Olympic lift of 297kg," he said.
At the 2022 Birmingham Games, Aniq won gold in the 55kg category, with a Games record of 249kg.
