The final day of the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026, held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, delivered thrilling action packed with world-record attempts, dramatic comebacks, and powerhouse performances. Broadcast highlights from Doordarshan Sports captured the excitement as athletes from across Asia competed in the women’s 86kg (or +86kg) and men’s 110kg+ categories.
Women’s 86kg: China’s Yan Li Dominates with a World Record Snatch
The day opened with the women’s 86kg event, where Yan Li of China stole the show. The young Chinese lifter (noted as 21 years old in some reports) produced an outstanding performance, securing gold in snatch, clean & jerk, and overall while setting a new world record.
In the snatch:
- Yan Li opened strongly and built momentum, eventually lifting 145kg on her successful attempt.
- This broke the previous world record (previously listed around 144kg in the category), earning her the snatch gold and setting a new benchmark.
Strong challenges came from:
- Jang Hyeonju (South Korea) — who pushed hard with attempts around 130-131kg, securing silver in the snatch.
- Wisal Yli (Qatar) — who lifted 130kg and contended for medals.
India’s Vanshita Verma (referred to as Mebamna Devi or similar in commentary) gave a solid effort, targeting 140kg+ in clean & jerk after a national championship benchmark, but finished fourth overall. She showed promise with controlled lifts but narrowly missed the podium.
Final Standings (Women’s 86kg – Approximate from Highlights & Results):
- Gold: Peng Cuiting / Yan Li (China) – Dominant total around 270kg (e.g., 127/143 or strong snatch equivalent).
- Silver: Alina Marushchak (Bahrain) – Impressive clean & jerk, pushing close with 265kg total.
- Bronze: Jang Hyeonju (South Korea) – Consistent performer.
- India’s Vanshita Verma: 4th (220kg total: 95kg snatch + 125kg C&J).
Other notable lifters included competitors from Sri Lanka (e.g., Ishani Anushka, Chathurika Priyanthibalage), Chinese Taipei, and Malaysia, adding depth to the competition.
The clean & jerk saw bold attempts, including big jumps in weight (one competitor increasing by 14kg after the first attempt), showcasing mental toughness alongside physical power. Commentators praised the technique, leg drive, and recovery under pressure.
Men’s 110kg+: Explosive Heavy Lifting and Olympic-Level Talent
As the day progressed, attention shifted to the men’s 110kg+ group, featuring shorter but highly explosive lineups with lifters from China, Chinese Taipei, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, UAE, and Iran.
Key highlights:
- Liu Hua (China) — An Olympic champion and “weightlifting royalty” — delivered masterful lifts. He targeted and succeeded with heavy clean & jerks (around 230kg+), winning gold overall with a total near 420kg. His recovery from minor wobbles demonstrated elite experience.
- Hassan Bayev (Turkmenistan) — Put up a strong fight with 200kg+ clean & jerks and solid snatch (188kg), earning silver.
- Chinese Taipei lifters (e.g., Dong Bin Cheng, Pozen/Chan) — Competed fiercely, with one hitting 189kg in snatch.
- Iranian Ali Reza Naseri — Matched his previous world championship performances with 231kg clean & jerk.
The snatch saw progressive increases, with the Chinese athlete claiming the top spot at 190kg. Clean & jerk featured gritty saves, knee recoveries, and massive loads, thrilling the young audience in the stands.
Men’s 110kg+ Podium (from highlights):
- Gold: Liu Hua (China)
- Silver: Hassan Bayev (Turkmenistan)
- Bronze: Chinese Taipei representative
Overall Context and India’s Campaign
The championships saw participation from 28 nations and 172 athletes. China and North Korea led the medal tally, with China strong on the final day. India concluded with 10 medals (1 silver, 9 bronze) despite no additions on Day 7, a solid performance on home soil.
The event highlighted Asia’s rising strength in weightlifting, with young talents breaking records and veterans showcasing consistency. The atmosphere in Gandhinagar was electric, with school children and fans cheering world-class efforts.
Why It Matters
Events like these not only crown Asian champions but also serve as key qualifiers and preparation for global stages like the Olympics. Record-breaking lifts, such as Yan Li’s snatch and heavy clean & jerks, push the sport’s boundaries and inspire the next generation.
Stay tuned for more from Indian weightlifting as athletes build on this momentum. Congratulations to all medalists, especially the home athletes who competed with pride!
Video Source: YouTube
