It’s A Gold! Weightlifter Aniq Kasdan Does Malaysia Proud At 2022 Commonwealth Games

BIRMINGHAM – Malaysia has bagged its first gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games thanks to weightlifter Aniq Kasdan.

The 20-year-old athlete was previously ranked second after he lifted 107kg, just behind India’s Sargar Sanket Mahadev, who lifted 113kg with ease, reported The Star.

Unfortunately, Sanket didn’t manage to clear the next two lifts due to an injury during the clean and jerk routine.

This allowed Aniq to snag the gold in the 55kg category if he managed to lift another 142kg. He made good on the opportunity and managed to set a new Games record of 249kg to secure the gold.

‘A good start’

Following his triumphant win, Aniq expressed gratefulness over his achievement and said that it was a good start for 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 told Malay Mail.

The Segamat-born weightlifter also shared how his parents encouraged him by reminding him to pray if he was nervous and to remember God as his source of strength.

Meanwhile, weightlifter Muhamad Aznil Bidin won Malaysia’s second gold medal after successfully defending his title in the 61kg category and broke a Games record by lifting a total of 285kg.

The weightlifter’s snatch lift was 127kg and 158kg in the clear and jerk routine.

Previously, Aznil was crowned champion in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

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Cover image via New Straits Times and Kosmo!

Editor: Sarah Yeoh