Weightlifter Mohd Hafifi Mansor became Malaysia’s unlikely hero after delivering the only gold for the nation in the senior category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Pune, India.
The 24 year-old lifted 132 kg in the snatch and 171kg in the clean and jerk to win men’s 69kg category, with teammate Mohd Aznil Mohd Nor taking the silver. Sri Lanka’s M. Dissayanake bagged the bronze.
Hafifi now has done himself a timely boost ahead of next year’s Olympics in Brazil, with him being ranked 23rd in the world. Weightlifters who wish to qualify for the Olympics will have to be inside the top 15.
He is now aiming to do well in the Houston World Championships, from November 20-29.
For the record, Hafifi has maintained Malaysia’s consistent record of winning the gold at Commonwealth Games since 1998.
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