Weeraphon did it!! Asian Games Silver Medal, next is Paris 2024!!
"Wave" Weeraphon Wichuma, 19-year-old powerlifting sensation, showcases excellent form, secures a silver medal in the 73 kg category, men's division, while aiming for the Youth World Records and Asian Youth Records. He graciously accepts the silver medal, but remains committed and announces his pursuit of Olympic gold at the "Paris Games 2024". Meanwhile, Rahmat Erwin Abdullah from Indonesia clinches gold along with breaking world records, Asian records, and Asian Games records at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
In weightlifting competitions at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, Thailand's powerlifting team had previously secured 1 silver medal by Arm Thanyathon Sukcharoen in the 49 kg women's category, the latest being on October 3, 2566. The Thai team sent Weeraphon Wichuma, a 19-year-old, who claimed 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the 73 kg category, aiming for the world championship title in weightlifting held in September 2566 in Saudi Arabia. He aspired to win medals in the 73 kg men's category, facing significant competitors from China, Indonesia, North Korea, and South Korea.
Furthermore, Maj. Gen Intarat Yodbangtoey, the President of the Weightlifting Association of Thailand, as the President of the Asian Weightlifting Federation and Mrs. Boossaba Yodbangtoey, the Advisor of the Association, as the Advisor of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, along with Dr. Niwat Limsukhnirun, the Director-General of the Armed Forces Education Department and a member of the management committee of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, provided their continued support from the sidelines.
Starting with the snatch, Weeraphon lifted 151, 154, and 156 kg successfully, ranking third behind Wei Yinting, the Chinese favorite, who led the snatch with 161 kg and broke the Asian Games standard of 156 kg. Rahmat Erwin Abdullah from Indonesia managed to lift 158 kg.
Then, in the clean and jerk, Wei Yinting from China lifted 180 kg but failed in all three attempts, resulting in no record for this lift. This allowed Weeraphon to compete with the Indonesian powerlifter for the gold. Weeraphon initially failed to lift 190 kg, then 195 kg, but finally succeeded with the same weight, setting the record at 195 kg and totaling 351 kg, breaking the world youth records and Asian youth records previously held by Rizki Juniansyah from Indonesia at 349 kg, securing the silver medal.
Rahmat Erwin Abdullah from Indonesia displayed outstanding form in the clean and jerk, lifting 201 kg, breaking his own world and Asian records set at 200 kg, and setting a new Asian Games record of 189 kg, totaling 359 kg, and securing the gold medal. Meanwhile, the bronze medal went to Oh Kumthaek from North Korea, with a total weight of 344 kg (snatch 151 kg, clean and jerk 193 kg).
"Wave" Weeraphon Wichuma revealed that he was excited and felt that he had performed his best, even though he couldn't reach the gold medal. When asked if he felt disappointed, he said just a little, as he was content. He emphasized that during the lifts, he only focused on competing with himself. He considers himself as an idol, and he is looking forward to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
In summary, Thailand's powerlifting team has secured 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal.
The Thai weightlifting team's upcoming schedule includes the following events: On October 4, 2023, in the men's 81 kg category, Mr. Chatuphum Chinnawong and Mr. Worrapot Nasuriwong will compete at 19:00 local time (18:00 Thailand time). On October 5, 2023, in the men's 96 kg category, Group A, Mr. Sarat Sumpradit will compete at 15:00 local time (14:00 Thailand time). In the women's 76 kg category, Group A, Ms. Siriyakorn Khaipandung will compete at 19:00 local time (18:00 Thailand time). And on October 7, 2023, in the women's over 87 kg category, Ms. Duangaksorn Chaidee will compete at 15:00 local time (14:00 Thailand time).
