KUALA LUMPUR – Following Mohammad Aniq Kasdan’s impressive record-breaking performance at the IWF Grand Prix 2 in Doha, Qatar, Malaysia Weightlifting Association (MWA) president Datuk Ayub Rahmat maintains a laser focus on Olympic qualification.
In his Facebook post, Ayub said it is important to remain pragmatic despite Aniq breaking the national record three times, adding that true success lies in securing an Olympic berth.
“To qualify for the Olympics they will take into account the total weight lifted and rankings. We are on the right track and if Aniq continues to work hard we will succeed.
“We are targetting Aniq to achieve a total weight lifted of 305kg, and if he manages to lift that total, we will bag an Olympic medal,” read the caption.
Addressing the weightlifting association’s commitment to fair play, Ayub acknowledged the sport’s history of doping scandals in Malaysia.
He assured that measures are in place to keep Aniq clear of controversies, including monitoring his diet and ensuring compliance with the International Weightlifting Federation’s whereabouts requirements of every three months.
“We will take good care of Aniq as he is our shining light at the moment,” Ayub added.
Aniq, competing in the 61kg category, shattered his national record in Doha by lifting 126kg in the snatch and 170kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 296kg.
This surpasses his previous record set at the World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September.
His efforts earned him the silver in the clean and jerk, and the bronze in the overall weight total. – December 7, 2023