Rising Chinese weightlifter Zhang Haiqin, 18, made history at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan, Zhejiang Province, clinching three gold medals and breaking all three world junior records in the women's 55kg category on Saturday. The young athlete displayed flawless technique, completing all six attempts to dominate the competition.
A New Star Rises
Zhang lifted 99kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 225kg — surpassing previous world junior marks. Her performance underscored China’s continued dominance in weightlifting, drawing cheers from spectators and praise from international coaches.
Thrilling Battles Across Categories
In the men’s 61kg division, China's Wang Hao seized an early lead with a 142kg snatch. However, the DPRK’s Pak Myong Jin staged a dramatic comeback, lifting 170kg in the clean and jerk to edge past Wang by one kilogram overall. Vietnam’s Tran Minh Tri also impressed in the men’s 67kg class, narrowly defeating China’s Zheng Xinhao by a single kilogram after Zheng faltered in his final attempts.
The event highlighted Asia’s deepening talent pool in weightlifting, with athletes from multiple countries and regions challenging traditional powerhouses ahead of major international competitions.
