KUALA LUMPUR — After narrowly missing a podium finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Malaysia’s weightlifting star Aniq Kasdan has set his sights on his next big challenge: the World Championships in Manama, Bahrain, next month.
Competing in the men’s 61kg category, Aniq told Scoop he is confident of clinching a medal if he can surpass the 300kg mark in total lifts.
For context, the 22-year-old Johorean holds the national record of 298kg, set during his victory at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Fiji in September.
Notably, Aniq’s lift in Paris was 297kg — just 1kg shy of an Olympic bronze. In that event, China’s Li Fabin defended his gold with a total of 310kg, followed by Thailand’s Theerapong Silachai with 303kg for silver, and the United States’ Hampton Morris with 298kg, who took bronze.
Although Aniq may face these top contenders again at the World Championships, he remains undeterred.
“The starting list isn’t out yet, but I’m not too focused on my opponents. In weightlifting, my focus is solely on myself and my performance.
“My goal is the same — lift over 300kg, and that should secure me a medal,” said Aniq, whose impressive showing at the Olympics has quickly raised his profile.
Reflecting on his newfound fame, he added, “I’m slowly adjusting and finding the right balance. I’m also pursuing my studies, and everything’s been going well. Preparations are on track, and I’m eager to end the year on a high note.”
As part of the elite Road to Gold (RTG) programme, Aniq is projected to medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
He made history as the first Malaysian weightlifter to win a World Championships medal, capturing silver in the men’s 55kg clean and jerk (142kg) at the 2021 edition in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Last year in Saudi Arabia, he claimed bronze in the men’s 61kg clean and jerk with a lift of 166kg.
This year’s World Championships will take place from December 6 to 16. — November 11, 2024