GANDHINAGAR, May 11: Komal Kohar opened hosts India’s medal count, winning a bronze in the women’s 48kg weight class at the Asian Weightlifting Championships here on Monday.
Competing in place of Tokyo silver medallist Mirabai Chanu, the 23-year-old rose to the occasion with a composed performance, finishing with a combined lift of 177kg — 78kg in snatch and 99kg in clean and jerk.
Her effort in clean and jerk also earned her a bronze medal in the discipline.
In a field missing several traditional heavyweights of Asian weightlifting, Chinese Taipei stamped its authority with a commanding one-two finish.
Huang Yi Chen secured gold with a best effort of 193kg (81kg+112kg), while compatriot Fang Wan-Ling followed closely with 192kg (84kg+108kg) to take silver.
The women’s 48kg division, a non-Olympic category, did not feature traditional powerhouses such as China, North Korea and Thailand.
North Korea’s Un Chol Pang dominated the men’s 60 kg category, creating a new World and Asian record in the clean & jerk section with a lift of 174 kg.
The World Championship bronze medallist clinched the gold medal with a total effort of 304kg (130kg+174kg).
His best effort was a whopping 27kg more than that of the silver medallist Bin Kasdan Mohammad Aniq 277kg (122kg+155kg) of Malaysia.
Gia Thanh Lai of Vietnam heaved 267kg (121kg+146kg) to bag the bronze medal, while India’s Rishikanta Singh withdrew from the event after the snatch section (PTI)
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