KUALA LUMPUR: Weightlifter Aniq Kasdan has vowed to become an Olympic champion in the future after narrowly missing out on the men's under-61kg class podium at the Paris Olympics yesterday.
Aniq, who was making his Olympic debut in Paris, said he was determined to finish on the podium, not only for himself but also the weightlifting community in Malaysia.
Aniq, who managed a new national record of 130kg in the snatch and 167kg in the clean and jerk, finished fourth overall at the South Paris Arena, just one kg adrift of bronze medallist Hampton Morris of the United States.
"During my last attempt I told myself that I had to succeed because if I did, the entire weightlifting community in Malaysia would also benefit (from his success)," a dejected Aniq told Astro Arena yesterday.
"When I was unable to do it, I felt incredibly sad. I felt sad for myself and I also felt sad because I was unable to help raise the profile of the sport in Malaysia. I also wanted my parents to be happy (by winning medal).
"My goal after this is to become an Olympic champion. If possible, I want to perform well in all competitions, all my results have to be strong."
Morris clinched the bronze after clearing 298kg (126kg-172kg) while silver was won by Thailand's Theerapong Silachai on 303kg (132kg-171kg).
Defending champion Li Fabin (China) managed a new Olympic record of 143kg in the snatch en route to retaining his gold with a 310kg total. He managed 167kg in the clean and jerk.
Aniq, who is only 22, is seen as having a bright future in the sport for Malaysia.
He had previously won gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and is also a two-time medallist in the clean and jerk at the World Championships (2021, 2023).