The weightlifting arena at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan witnessed history as lifters delivered masterclass performances on Wednesday. In the women's 48 kg weight category, Ri Song Gum from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reaffirmed her dominance by capturing the gold medal with a phenomenal total lift. Meanwhile, Indian stalwart Mirabai Chanu delivered a commanding performance to secure the silver medal, breaking a 28-year drought for India in the discipline.
World Record and a Golden Hat-Trick for Ri Song Gum
Two-time world champion Ri Song Gum arrived from North Korea with immense expectations and delivered without hesitation. In the snatch round, she registered a successful attempt of 94 kg before clearing 121 kg in the clean and jerk section. Her combined aggregate of 215 kg set a new world record in the total lift category. With this remarkable achievement, the athlete from the nation led by Kim Jong Un completed a rare hat-trick of gold medals across three consecutive Asian Games editions, solidifying her standing on the international stage.
Mirabai Chanu Secures Landmark Silver for India
Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and multiple-time Commonwealth Games gold winner Mirabai Chanu approached the competition platform with clear intent. She competed wearing her Olympic-ring shaped gold earrings presented by her mother, along with a tricolour ribbon in her hair. During the contest, she lifted 88 kg in the snatch and added 111 kg in the clean and jerk to finish with a combined total of 198 kg. This podium finish earned India an Asian Games weightlifting silver medal after a gap of 28 years.
The achievement also marked Chanu's very first medal at the Asian Games. Speaking after her historic podium finish, the lifter noted that winning a medal at these games had been a personal dream since she first entered weightlifting, pointing out that unforeseen hurdles had disrupted past attempts before she finally realised her goal.
Eyes Set on the 2028 Olympic Stage
Hailing from Manipur, Chanu has long been known for relentless discipline. After winning gold at the Commonwealth Games last month, she resumed training the very next day to prepare for this continental test. With an Asian Games medal finally in her collection, she has now turned her sights toward securing a podium finish at the 2028 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in the United States.
