Thai Weightlifter Theeraphong Wins Bronze Despite Knee Injuries
Thai weightlifter Theeraphong Silachai won bronze at the Asian Games in Japan despite competing with knee injuries, lifting a total of 299 kilograms in the men's 60-kilogram final.
The 20th Asian Games weightlifting competition took place at Fukuoka Hall in Nagoya, Japan on September 24, 2025, with athletes competing across two weight categories. Thailand's Theeraphong Silachai, a silver medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, competed in the men's 60-kilogram final. In the snatch, Theeraphong initially missed twice before successfully lifting 126 kilograms on his third attempt. In the clean and jerk, he successfully lifted 173 kilograms, for a total of 299 kilograms and a bronze medal.
Gold went to Yang Yang of China, who lifted 138 kilograms in the snatch and 166 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a total of 304 kilograms, setting a new Asian Games record. Silver was won by Pang Un-chol of North Korea, who lifted 126 kilograms in the snatch and 174 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a total of 301 kilograms, also setting an Asian Games record.
Theeraphong expressed satisfaction with the bronze medal, noting that he had competed despite injuries to both knees prior to the competition. He said that his first two snatch attempts at 126 kilograms failed because he put too much pressure on himself. This was a lingering frustration from the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where he failed to complete any snatch attempts. On his third attempt this time, he refocused and succeeded. He noted that he had previously snatched 133 kilograms.
Regarding the 500,000 baht award from the National Sports Development Fund, Theeraphong said he planned to use it to support his family. After the 2024 Olympics, he used his earnings to build a house, which is now complete, though a garage still remains unfinished.
