On Day 8 of the IWF World Championships in Bahrain, Artyom Antropov won Kazakhstan’s second gold medal, surpassing Meso Hassona of Qatar in the 102kg category. Spain’s Marcos Ruiz achieved the country’s first medal, placing third. China’s Liao Guifang excelled in the women’s 81kg, while Mongolia’s Ankha Munkjantsan retired after commendable performances. Yekta Jamali from the Refugee Team also showed remarkable progress, emphasizing the championship’s significance in showcasing global weightlifting talent.
On Day 8 of the IWF World Championships in Bahrain, Artyom Antropov secured Kazakhstan’s second consecutive victory, triumphing in an exhilarating 102kg weightlifting session. Antropov’s decisive last lift surpassed Meso Hassona of Qatar, forcing him to settle for second place. Spain celebrated its inaugural medal at the World Championships, courtesy of Marcos Ruiz’s exceptional performance, which placed him third. Meanwhile, China claimed gold in the women’s 81kg category, with Liao Guifang leading the competition and providing a memorable farewell performance for Mongolia’s celebrated weightlifter, Ankha Munkjantsan.
Initially facing a challenge, Antropov was in 12th place midway through the competition, with Hassona positioned at seventh. They showcased remarkable strength in clean and jerk lifts, standing out among the 22 competitors who collectively managed fewer successful lifts. Hassona, eager to recover from a disappointing Olympic Games qualification, ultimately achieved a total of 399kg, while Antropov lifted an impressive total of 400kg, just shy of Liu Huanhua’s world record.
Antropov expressed his aspirations for future competitions, aiming for an encounter with Liu and the potential for a world record at the Asian Championships in May. Ruiz also made headlines by achieving his best total of 395kg in the 102kg category, indicating a shift in his focus to lower weight classes.
The championship also witnessed several attempts for junior world records, although many young athletes struggled to complete their lifts. Noteworthy is the retirement of Ankha Munkjantsan, who concluded her career on a high note, earning silver in snatch and expressing her desire to spend more time with her family, planning to expand it soon.
From the Weightlifting Refugee Team, Yekta Jamali demonstrated significant improvement, adding 6kg to her previous best and securing seventh place. While she remains guarded about her future targets, her continued progress and participation highlight the resilience and determination of athletes competing under challenging circumstances.
The IWF World Championships are among the most prestigious competitions in weightlifting, attracting top talent from around the world. Held in Bahrain this year, the event showcases not only national pride but also individual athletic excellence. Performances from various countries are highlighted, representing their unique sports cultures and competitive spirit. The championships also observe the emergence of promising athletes and the impact of national policies on sports participation, particularly from nations like Kazakhstan and the Refugee Team. Additionally, the event marks emotional retirements and career milestones, emphasizing the personal journeys behind the sport.
In summary, Day 8 of the IWF World Championships in Bahrain highlighted significant achievements and remarkable athletic performances. Artyom Antropov’s victory for Kazakhstan and the impressive debut medal for Spain underscore the championship’s competitive nature. The day also featured notable retirements and the inspiring resilience of athletes from the Refugee Team, making the event a profound celebration of sportsmanship and human spirit in weightlifting.
Original Source: iwf.sport
