IWF World Championships:
Beiranvand rues injury after missing out on medal
Iranian weightlifter Abdollah Beiranvand said a lengthy injury in the buildup to the IWF World Championships ultimately cost him a podium finish on the fifth day of the competition in Forde, Norway.
Representing the country in the men’s 79kg event, Beiranvand completed a clean sweep of six successful efforts in the Group B competition, posting 156-185-340 to settle for a ninth-place finish.
His final snatch lift of 156kg bettered the national record by one kilogram.
“It was a very exciting competition. I was in good form and managed to successfully complete all six of my lifts. I gave it my all, and the coaching staff was also pleased with my performance,” Beiranvand said after his campaign.
“I was just one kilogram short of a snatch bronze medal. I’m sure I would have finished on the podium had it not been for the injury setback, but it wasn’t meant to be. I will work harder to be successful in future competitions,” added the Iranian.
On breaking the national record, Beiranvand stated, “The injury caused my performance level to drop. I had to struggle with the injury for the past two months, which is why I couldn’t lift more than 150kg in training. But I managed to post 156kg here. In the clean & jerk, I was also able to better my personal best.»
“The atmosphere at the competition was fantastic and very competitive; thank God, I was able to finish my work by setting a new record.”
Iran head coach Behdad Salimi was full of praise for Beiranvand despite finishing empty-handed, saying, “Abdollah did well and fought brilliantly. He received an injection in his hamstring two months ago which caused him significant trouble and hampered his preparation. But he showed real heart and determination today.”
“He had six successful lifts, which is very important. Furthermore, the weights he lifted today were heavier than what he had been managing in training over recent months. Personally, I am very satisfied with his performance,” added the former world and Olympic champion.
“Beiranvand is young and has a great future ahead of him. I am confident that next year he has the potential to return from the World Championships with a strong result.”
Meanwhile, Indonesian Rizki Juniansyah stole the show in the 79kg contest and double golds and the snatch bronze, breaking the C&J world record on his way to a 157-204-361 tally.
North Korea’s Ri Chong-song claimed the snatch gold and then settled for the total silver.
Egyptian Mohamed Younes also finished with two medals (snatch silver and total bronze), while Indonesia’s Rahmat Erwin Abdullah and Son Hyeon-ho of South Korea won the C&J silver and bronze medals respectively.