New Year, New Weight Category For Aniq

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- National weightlifting star Mohamad Aniq Kasdan confirms that he will compete in a new weight category, the 60 kg division, next year.

The world championship silver medallist said the switch comes as the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has restructured its weight categories, eliminating the 61 kg division in which he previously competed.

“Next year, I’ll have to compete with one kilogramme less. This will be a new challenge because I don’t know who my opponents will be in this new category, as there will be changes.

“Whatever it is, I’ll be ready to face anyone,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Expressing confidence in adapting to the new category, the Segamat-born athlete aims to maintain his lifting momentum and achieve his goal of a total lift of 300 kg.

“I don’t see any problem, and if possible, I want to maintain my total lift (298 kg) from the 61 kg category. If I can improve, even better.

“My target remains the same as last year -- I want to hit 300 kg, a milestone I’ve yet to achieve,” he said.

Reflecting on his performance this year, Mohamad Aniq expressed satisfaction but acknowledged room for improvement to reach his full potential.

Despite winning medals in several competitions this year, the 22-year-old athlete is determined not to become complacent and aims to work even harder.

“I would rate myself 8 out of 10 because I haven’t achieved my personal target yet. Next year, I aim to do even better and bring home a gold medal at the SEA Games in Thailand,” he said.

Mohamad Aniq delivered an outstanding performance in 2024, breaking his own national records twice during the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Suva, Fiji, in September, where he clinched a gold medal.

Additionally, he secured two silver medals at the World Championships in the clean and jerk event and the total lift category.

-- BERNAMA