NATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTER AZNIL BIDIN AIMS FOR SUCCESS IN NEW CATEGORY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) – National weightlifter Muhammad Aznil Bidin is hopeful for good fortune after switching to the 67kg category, having recently won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Fiji.

Having transitioned from the 61kg category in April, he hopes this will serve as motivation to secure a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and a podium finish at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

"I previously competed in the 67kg category, but this is my first time competing in this weight class on the international stage.

"I also aim to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a medal at the SEA Games next year in the 67kg category," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

The 30-year-old athlete recently claimed gold at the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Fiji, lifting a total of 300 kg.

Even sweeter is the fact that his lift broke his previous record of 295 kg set at the SEA Games qualifying championship in 2022.

Aznil expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given by the coaching team to return to compete in his favourite event.

Although he acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to his new weight category, he remains optimistic about performing even better, especially with the World Championships in Bahrain coming up this December.

"There are certainly challenges, as I need to train a bit harder. Moving up a category means the weights are heavier.

"But I hope to perform even better at the World Championships and break the national record once again," he said.

-- BERNAMA