Vietnamese weightlifters ramp up training for SEA Games 33
VOV.VN - Following strong performances at the 2025 Asian and Southeast Asian Championships, Vietnam’s weightlifting team is intensifying its training in preparation for upcoming major tournaments, particularly the 33rd SEA Games.
Set to take place in Thailand at the end of the year, the Games will pose new challenges due to changes in weight categories under International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) regulations. The new classification system requires athletes to shift to different weight classes, impacting several key competitors including Lai Gia Thanh, who won gold in the now-discontinued 55kg division.
According to coach Duong Thi Ngoc, each country is allowed to register only one athlete per category, creating strategic pressure for all participating teams. This means not only adjusting weight targets but also anticipating opponents’ lineup decisions.
To adapt, the Vietnamese coaching staff is working on recalibrating athletes’ weight categories while analysing rival teams to make informed choices.
Key members of the squad, including Tran Minh Tri, Pham Thi Hong Thanh, and Nguyen Quoc Toan, helped secure eight gold medals at the Southeast Asian Weightlifting Championship in mid-June. The event also served as a trial run under the new weight class structure and gave coaches the opportunity to assess both domestic and regional competitors.
Among the new call-ups is 22-year-old Quang Thi Tam, who made a strong impression by winning bronze with a 98kg snatch in the women’s 59kg category at the Asian Championships. She is one of 21 athletes selected for national team duty this year.
Meanwhile, veteran lifter Trinh Van Vinh is facing adjustments after his former category, 61kg, was removed from competition. The coaching staff is now evaluating the best new division for him.
As the Games approach, coach Duong Thi Ngoc and her team are focused on sharpening athletes’ technique and refining strategies. Alongside physical preparation, psychological readiness is seen as equally important, especially as athletes aim to defend their strong showing at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, where Vietnam claimed four gold medals, ranking second only to Indonesia.
Local weightlifters take three golds at world junior championships
VOV.VN - The nation secured three gold and one bronze medals during the first competition day of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Junior Championships 2024 which was held on September 19 in Spain.
