1st Military Challenge Weightlifting enters day two with record-breaking performances
TEHRAN (IRI) - The second day of the First Military Challenge Weightlifting in Tehran unfolded with heightened excitement and intensity, turning the arena into a true celebration of strength, unity, and international friendship. Hosted by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the auspices of CISM, the event continued to showcase the exceptional skill and discipline of the world’s finest military lifters.
Athletes from across the participating nations demonstrated remarkable performances that reflected both their personal dedication and their countries’ sporting traditions. Among the most outstanding were the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including Pak Jung-ju, reigning world, junior, and senior champion; Yang Tae-bong, world champion and vice-champion; Kim Chung-juk, Asian champion; and Soldier Ri Yyong-hyon, both Asian and world champion.
Iranian athletes Mehrab Davasari, Asian youth and junior champion, and Tofiqh Foruzesh, Asian youth champion, lifted before an enthusiastic home crowd, inspiring national pride with their determination and composure. From Armenia, Karlen Davitian, European youth bronze medalist, competed alongside Zhora Grigoryan and European champion Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, while Russia’s team, featuring Govrong Serobian, Ruslan Khabirov, and Mikhail Podkorytov, delivered powerful performances. Uzbekistan, led by the legendary Olympic and world champion Ruslan Nurudinov in his role as head coach, also made a strong impression with its young, dynamic athletes.
The highlight of the day came in the 79 kg category when Soldier Ri Yyong-hyon achieved a historic milestone by breaking the world record in the Clean and Jerk, lifting 205 kg and surpassing the previous record by one kilogram. The arena erupted in applause as this moment of excellence symbolized not only individual glory but also the growing prestige of military weightlifting on the world stage.
By the end of the day, the DPR Korea team confirmed its dominance with three gold medals and one silver, earning the overall gold cup for total medals. Russia followed with one gold and one bronze, Uzbekistan secured three silver and one bronze, while Iran and Armenia each added a bronze to their tally, keeping their hopes high for the final day of competition.
Beyond the results, the second day of the Challenge reflected the deeper essence of CISM sport: solidarity, mutual respect, and the pursuit of excellence. Through its impeccable organization and warm hospitality, Iran once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening friendship among nations through sport. As the world’s military athletes continue to lift higher, both in performance and in spirit, the revival of weightlifting within CISM stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and Iranian Delegation to CISM)
