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North Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum achieves three world records to secure Asian Games gold in Nagoya
North Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum has made history at the Asian Games in Nagoya by setting three world records in the women's 49kg weightlifting category, securing her third Asian Games gold medal. The 28-year-old athlete, standing just 140cm tall, became only the fourth weightlifter in history to win three Asian Games golds, joining an elite group that includes Iran's Mohammad Nassiri, South Korea's Kim Tae-hyun, and Iran's Behdad Salimi. Ri's remarkable performance saw her lift 94kg in the snatch, surpassing the previous world record of 93kg, and then achieve two new clean and jerk records with lifts of 116kg and 121kg, for a total of 215kg, which broke the previous world record by 7kg. Her emotional victory was celebrated by a large contingent of Japanese North Korean fans waving flags in the venue. Ri, who has previously won Asian Games golds in Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2023, expressed her gratitude to her country, stating, 'The reason I got this gold is for the feelings of my home country, the people had huge expectations for me. I wanted to lift my country up on these two small shoulders.' The Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, secured the silver medal with a total of 198kg, while Indonesia's Diana Tri Wijayana took bronze with 191kg. Chanu, a 32-year-old veteran, had previously won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but had never secured an Asian Games medal until now, calling it 'a dream' to finally stand on the Asian Games podium. Ri's achievement is particularly significant as the 49kg category will be discontinued for the next Olympics in Los Angeles, with the competition being streamlined to six men's and six women's divisions. When asked about potentially moving up to the 53kg category to pursue Olympic qualification, Ri confirmed she would consider it. The event took place in Nagoya, Japan, with the venue filled with enthusiastic supporters, including a large number of Japanese North Korean fans who enthusiastically cheered for Ri. This victory marks a significant moment for North Korean sports, as it represents their first gold medal of the Asian Games. Ri's performance not only set new world records but also highlighted her status as a dominant force in women's weightlifting, particularly in the 49kg category. The Asian Games, held every four years, are a major multi-sport event featuring athletes from across Asia, and Ri's success underscores the competitive nature of the event. The IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) had recently introduced new weight classes ahead of the next Olympics, resetting all world records, which means Ri's lifts were officially recognized as new world records. This victory also marks a significant milestone for Mirabai Chanu, who has been a consistent competitor in international weightlifting for over a decade, finally achieving her long-awaited Asian Games medal. The event was held at the Nagoya Trade and Industry Center hall, where the atmosphere was lively and supportive, with fans waving flags and cheering for Ri's historic performance. Ri's emotional reaction to her victory, including tears of joy, highlighted the personal significance of her achievement for her country and herself. The Asian Games have been a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on a regional stage, and Ri's performance has set a new standard for future competitors in the 49kg category. This victory also comes at a time when North Korea has been absent from major international events, having missed the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to the pandemic and failing to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics in weightlifting. Ri's success at the Asian Games may serve as a boost for North Korean sports in the lead-up to future international competitions. The event was widely covered by international media, with Ri's performance being hailed as a historic moment in weightlifting. The Asian Games continue to be a significant event for athletes from across Asia, and Ri's achievement has added a new chapter to the history of the competition. Ri's success in the 49kg category, which will be discontinued for the next Olympics, makes her victory even more significant as it represents the last opportunity for athletes to compete in this category at the Asian Games before it is phased out. The event also highlighted the growing competitiveness of weightlifting in Asia, with athletes from multiple countries vying for top honors in each category. Ri's performance has set a new benchmark for future athletes in the 49kg category, and her emotional victory has resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike. The Asian Games have been a key event for athletes to gain international recognition, and Ri's success has cemented her place as one of the most successful weightlifters in Asian Games history. The event was well-attended, with a lively atmosphere that reflected the importance of the competition to both the athletes and the fans. Ri's victory has been celebrated as a historic moment for North Korean sports, marking their first gold medal of the Asian Games and setting a new standard for future competitors.