Windhoek:As Ri Song Gum of DPR Korea successfully completed her second clean-and-jerk attempt at the 2026 Asian Games, the crowd witnessed history being made. Her lift was confirmed by three white lights, prompting an outpour of applause and flag-waving from her supporters.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 28-year-old weightlifter shattered three world records in the women's 49kg category. She lifted 94kg in the snatch and 121kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a combined total of 215kg. This accomplishment secured DPR Korea's first gold medal of the Games and marked Ri's third consecutive Asian Games title.

Ri expressed her joy, stating, "I am so happy, I don't even know what to say." Her previous Asian Games victories include gold in Jakarta in 2018 and record-breaking performances in Hangzhou in 2023. Her journey was briefly interrupted when her country missed the Tokyo Olympics due to the pandemic. "My dream was put on hold from the Tokyo Olympics era, because the pandemic blocked our way," Ri explained. "Today, I feel that dream has finally come true."

When asked about the source of her success, Ri acknowledged the support she received from her fellow citizens. "It's not that I'm that great myself," she said. "The reason I can stand on this top podium today is the trust and expectations the people have placed on me." She dedicated her gold medal to those who supported her, including her coach and parents.

Looking ahead, Ri faces a new challenge as the women's 49kg category is not included in the 2028 Olympic weightlifting program. She confirmed her willingness to change weight class to pursue her Olympic ambitions, smiling at her coach before confidently answering "yes" to the possibility of moving up a category.