Heavyweight Lifters Shine in Tashkent

Tashkent's recent hosting of the 2024 Asian Weightlifting Championships solidified Uzbekistan's position as a central hub for the sport. The event, held from February 3rd to 10th, drew over 230 athletes from 34 nations to the Yunusabad Sports Complex, where they competed for continental titles and crucial Olympic Qualification Ranking points. Hometown hero and Olympic champion Akbar Djuraev dominated the men's 102kg category, securing a decisive victory with a total lift of 400kg. This win marked a strong statement for Djuraev in a new weight class, positioning him as a top contender for future competitions. In the men's 109kg division, Uzbek veteran Ruslan Nurudinov also claimed gold with a total of 382kg, showcasing the nation's depth of talent in the heavier weight classes. His compatriot Sharofiddin Amriddinov took the silver medal in the same category, further highlighting Uzbekistan's strength. The super-heavyweight (+109kg) category saw Syrian lifter Man Asaad take the top spot with an impressive 444kg total. Gor Minasyan of Bahrain secured the silver, and Ali Yusur from Iraq won the bronze. While the men's heavyweight classes saw fierce competition, the women's events also produced remarkable performances. Lifters from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were particularly dominant across several categories, with Ri Song Gum setting a new world record in the 49kg class with a 220kg total. The championships in Tashkent are a key part of the buildup to the next major global event on the weightlifting calendar. The world's elite lifters will next gather for the 2026 IWF World Championships, which are scheduled to be held in Ningbo, China.