Thai Weightlifter Kham Bao Eyes Gold Despite Record Attempt
Thai weightlifter Oey Surjana Kham Bao won bronze at the Asian Games in Japan, lifting 214 kilograms total after attempting a world record bid that fell short. North Korea's Kang Hyeon Gyong took gold with an Asian Games record of 223 kilog
The 20th Asian Games weightlifting competition took place at Fukuioka Hall in Nagoya, Japan on September 23, 2025. Thailand's Oey Surjana Kham Bao, a bronze medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, competed in the women's 53-kilogram category. She successfully lifted 95 kilograms in the snatch and achieved a personal best of 119 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a total of 214 kilograms, securing the bronze medal.
North Korea's Kang Hyeon Gyong claimed gold with a snatch of 99 kilograms, setting both an Asian Games record and equaling the world record. She lifted 124 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 223 kilograms, also breaking the Asian Games record. China's Zhou Jinluan won silver with a snatch of 94 kilograms and a clean and jerk of 124 kilograms for a total of 218 kilograms.
After the competition, Surjana revealed that she achieved her clean and jerk target during training, but attempted a third lift at 127 kilograms hoping to secure gold and break the world record. However, she had never lifted that weight before, with her best in training being only 120-122 kilograms. She acknowledged that North Korea's competitor was well-prepared and performed excellently, and vowed to continue improving.
"I'm happy with this bronze medal and gave my absolute best. I want to dedicate it to everyone—my parents and all Thai sports fans," Surjana said. She added that her next targets include the 2026 World Weightlifting Championship in China in October and the 2028 Olympics in the United States.
In the women's 49-kilogram category, Thailand's Suthasinee Kaewsingkhon finished fifth overall with a snatch of 79 kilograms and a clean and jerk of 99 kilograms for a total of 178 kilograms, missing the medal podium. North Korea's Lee Sung Gum won gold with 215 kilograms, India's Mirabai Chanu Saikhom took silver with 198 kilograms, and Indonesia's Wijaya Luluk Diana Tri claimed bronze with 191 kilograms.
