Lai Gia Thanh clinched Vietnam’s first gold medal at the 2024 International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket, Thailand on Monday.

The Vietnamese weightlifter demonstrated exceptional prowess in the men’s 55kg snatch event, commanding the competition with an impressive lift of 120kg.

This surpassed competitors such as ChomChuen Nathawat of Thailand, who lifted 119kg, and Pang Un Chol of North Korea, who managed 118kg.

“Snatch is Thanh’s forte,” noted Nguyen Huy Hung of the Sports Authority of Vietnam.

“Our coaches devised a strategic plan to secure the gold medal in this event against formidable opponents from North Korea and Thailand.”

In the clean and jerk, Thanh achieved 148kg after three attempts, earning him a bronze medal. 

Pang claimed the top spot with 152kg, followed by Nathawat with 150kg.

With a combined lift of 268kg, Thanh secured a second bronze in the total category, while Pang and Nathawat claimed the top two spots with 270kg and 269kg, respectively.

Previously, Vietnam earned one silver and two bronzes courtesy of Khong My Phuong in the women’s 45kg class.

Despite their success at the World Cup, neither Thanh nor Phuong will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled for July 26 to August 11, as their categories are not included in the shortlist.

The 2024 International Weightlifting Federation World Cup is taking place in Phuket from March 31 to April 11 as the final qualification event for the Paris Games.

On Tuesday, Vietnamese athletes Trinh Van Vinh and Nguyen Tran Anh Tuan will compete in the men’s 61kg category, aiming to win an Olympic slot in this tournament.

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