Albert Ian Delos Santos made a successful senior continental debut after securing the bronze medal in the men’s 70-kilogram weightlifting event at the 2026 Asian Games held at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center.
The 20-year-old Filipino weightlifter took home not only a bronze medal but also set a new Junior World and Asian record after successfully lifting 183 kilograms in the clean and jerk on his third attempt.
Delos Santos surpassed his previous Junior World and Asian record of 180 kilograms after lifting 181 kilograms on his second attempt. He then raised the bar even further, successfully completing 183 kilograms on his final attempt.
In the snatch, Delos Santos lifted 141 kilograms, giving him a total of 324 kilograms and securing third place on the podium.
He finished ahead of Uzbekistan’s Adkhamjon Ergasev, who placed fourth with a total of 318 kilograms from a 142-kilogram snatch and 176-kilogram clean and jerk.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s Ri Wun Ju captured the gold medal with a total of 349 kilograms, including a 151-kilogram snatch and 198-kilogram clean and jerk.
Japan’s Masannori Miyamoto, representing the host country, settled for silver with a total of 342 kilograms.
Delos Santos’ bronze marked his first Asian Games medal, highlighted by his record-setting performance in the clean and jerk.
(Photo Courtesy: POC – Philippine Olympic Committee – Olympic.PH)
