NATIONAL weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan’s record-breaking feat at the International Weightlifting Championships in Qatar yesterday, is expected to pave the way for young weightlifter to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Aniq, 21, who competed in the Group C category of the 61kg event, produced a credible performance by clearing 126kg in the “snatch” before strengthening his position by lifting 170kg in the “clean and jerk” to register a total lift of 296kg.
The total weight cleared by Aniq smashed his own national record of 291kg, which he had set at 2023 World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September, where he had won a bronze medal.
“As for PABM (Malaysian Weightlifting Federation), we are proud of Aniq’s feat since we are still chasing for a spot in the Olympics. We hope the 296kg achievement will further strengthen his position to qualify for the Olympics.
“Next April is the deadline for weightlifters to qualify for the Olympics and we hope Aniq will continue to be consistent in his performance,” said PABM vice-president Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim.
The championships in Qatar serves as a platform to earn points to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Aniq is currently ranked 10th in the world and only the top 10 ranked weightlifters can qualify for the Olympics. – Bernama, December 6, 2023.
