BIRMINGHAM – Mohamad Aniq Kasdan has won the first gold medal for Malaysia at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games at the National Exhibition Centre, here, today.
The 20-year-old weightlifter put on a great performance to take top spot on the podium in the men’s 55kg event, lifting a combined total of 249kg.
The Segamat-born athlete lifted 107kg for the snatch and 142kg for the clean and jerk.
The silver medal was won by India’s Sanket Mahadev Sargar, who lifted a combined total of 248kg, while Dilanka Isuru Kumara Yodage from Sri Lanka took the bronze with 225kg.
Malaysia’s first gold medal of the Games also ends the country’s two-day medal drought.
Aniq was thankful over his win and said it was a good start to his weightlifting career.
“I want to dedicate my gold to Malaysia and my family. Thank you to all Malaysians who have always supported my career,” he said.
He also shared what his parents always told him during competitions, saying they reminded him to pray if he got nervous and to remember Allah, who Aniq said was the source of strength to everyone.
Malaysia will also stand a chance of adding another gold in weightlifting today when Muhamad Aznil Bidin steps up to defend his title in the men’s 61kg category. – Bernama, July 30, 2022
