Kuo Hsing-chun to Represent Taiwan Again at Nagoya Asian Games After Weightlifting Trials

(CNA, by Jian-Chung Li, Taipei, 8th) The Chinese Taipei Weightlifting Association held its selection trials for the Nagoya Asian Games on the 6th. "Goddess of Weightlifting" Kuo Hsing-chun, competing in the women's 61kg category, lifted 102kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 230kg, successfully qualifying along with five other athletes.

The selection standard was based on the third-place results from this year's Asian Weightlifting Championships for each weight class. However, as the classes at the Asian Championships differ from the new weight classes to be implemented by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) from August, the association will make decisions considering the athletes' final results.

Starting in August, all international competitions, including the Nagoya Asian Games, must be held according to the new IWF weight classes. The women's categories will be 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg, and +86kg. The men's categories will be 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg, and +110kg.

Since there was no women's 61kg class at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in May this year, Kuo Hsing-chun's qualification standard was based on the 235kg third-place result of the 63kg class. Although Kuo lifted 230kg in the trial, she was still considered qualified due to the difference in weight class.

In an interview, Kuo Hsing-chun stated that it had been a long time since she participated in a selection trial and it was a pity she fell slightly short in the clean and jerk, failing to meet the standard directly. She said she will now actively undergo rehabilitation to treat her injuries and be in the best possible condition for the Asian Games.

After a day of competition, those who qualified for the Asian Games include Chen Wen-huei, Fang Wan-ling, Kuo Hsing-chun, Lin Cheng-ching, and Chen Kuan-ling in the women's group, and Chen Po-jen in the men's group.

The Weightlifting Association stated that all qualified athletes, as well as those who did not meet the standard but are considered potential medal contenders, will be reported to the Sports Administration for approval after a meeting today. The final roster will be confirmed thereafter.

Taiwan has won a total of 4 gold, 11 silver, and 18 bronze medals in weightlifting at past Asian Games. At the last Hangzhou Asian Games, Taiwan's only medal was a bronze won by Kuo Hsing-chun in the women's 59kg class. (Editor: Ming-Tsung Lee) 1150608