Vietnam’s 16-year-old weightlifter breaks record at Asian Youth Games

Competing in the men’s 65kg weight category, Duy had a challenging start in the snatch event.

He failed his first lift at 118kg, but successfully managed 120kg on his second attempt before missing his final lift at 124kg.

With three competitors surpassing 120kg, hopes for a podium finish initially seemed slim.

However, the Vietnamese lifter showed remarkable resilience in the clean and jerk event.

Under immense pressure, he began with a bold opening weight of 152kg but failed to complete the lift.

Duy regrouped and succeeded at 153kg on his second attempt.

For his final lift, he made a daring decision to go for 156kg.

Against the odds, he lifted it successfully, sealing both victory and a new Asian youth record in the 65kg category.

With a total lift of 276kg, Duy claimed the gold medal, while Beibarys Yerseit of Uzbekistan earned silver with 275kg, and Choe Jin Myong of North Korea took bronze with 274kg.

The Vietnamese delegation, which includes 50 athletes competing in 11 sports at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, has secured one gold medal, five silver medals and six bronze ones.

As the Games continue through Thursday, Vietnam’s young athletes remain determined to elevate the nation’s standing on the continental stage.