The Return of 48s: Records Shattered on Day One in Norway (IWF Worlds 2025)
Author:
Context: The Return of the 48 kg Class
The women’s 48 kg category has a unique history. Once a staple weight class from 1998 – 2017, it disappeared during restructuring before re-emerging with new world standards: 93 kg in the snatch, 119 kg in clean & jerk, and 210 kg in total. These marks meant no true records existed yet – every lift had the potential to rewrite history.
With China fielding two promising newcomers, ZHU Qiulian and LI Shumiao, the session became a clash of experience versus rising talent. Add Olympic silver medalist MIRABAI Chanu (IND), veteran SUZUKI Rira (JPN), and consistent lifters from Taipei, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, and this opening contest was a festival of narratives.
Meet the Athletes
- MIRABAI Chanu (IND) – Olympic silver medalist, multiple World Championship medals, and known for her record-breaking clean & jerk technique.
- SUKCHAROEN Thanyathon (THA) – Former Youth World Champion, consistent performer with podium potential, representing Thailand’s strong lightweight tradition.
- Ramos Rosegie (PHI) – World Championships debutant, determined and fearless, part of the Philippines’ new generation following Olympic success.
- ZHU Qiulian (CHN) – A newcomer with immense domestic results, making her world debut.
- LI Shumiao (CHN) – Another Chinese debutant, less known internationally but dangerous in the snatch.
- FANG Wan-Ling (TPE) – Veteran of multiple Olympics, technically sound and reliable.
- Lin Cheng Jing (TPE) – Strong but inconsistent in snatch, crowd favorite for her fighting spirit.
- Montero Ramos Ludia (CUB) – Experienced Pan-American lifter, resilient under pressure.
- Ortiz Dahiana (DOM) – Known for aggressive attempts and crowd-pleasing energy.
- SUZUKI Rira (JPN) – Competing at the top level for over a decade, highly respected for her perseverance.
The Snatch Session
The Women’s 48 kg World Championship session in Førde opened with solid lifting from FANG Wan-Ling (TPE), who went three-for-three with 75, 78, and 80 kg. Her consistency set the early rhythm. Her teammate LIN Cheng Jing (TPE) had a shaky start, missing her first two attempts at 78, but saved her campaign on the third, keeping herself in the competition.
Montero Ramos Ludia (CUB) showed her trademark grit, completing 80, 83, and narrowly missing 85, closing with 83 kg. Ramos Rosegie (PHI) also hit 80 kg but couldn’t improve further. Dahiana Ortiz (DOM) struggled with 79, failing to register a good lift in the snatch, while SUZUKI Rira (JPN) also exited without a successful attempt after three misses at 82.
China’s lifters made their presence felt: LI Shumiao (CHN) finished at 80 kg, while ZHU Qiulian (CHN) lifted 80 and 83, missing 85. MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) stayed composed, finishing with 84 kg, while SUKCHAROEN Thanyathon (THA) delivered the standout performance of the session, securing 88 kg on her first attempt before narrowly missing 90 kg twice.
Snatch Medalists
🥇 RI Song Gum – 91 kg
🥈 SUKCHAROEN Thanyathon (THA) – 88 kg
🥉 MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) – 84 kg
The Clean & Jerk
The clean & jerk session opened with the middle pack setting their marks. ZHU Qiulian (CHN) made her opener at 105 kg, but missed both attempts at 111, leaving her with a single successful lift. Teammate LI Shumiao (CHN) looked strong, making 108 kg and then 111 kg, though her final attempt at 113 proved too heavy.
Montero Ramos Lucia (CUB) opened confidently with 96 kg, followed it up successfully with 100 kg, but her final attempt at 103 kg was just out of reach. She closed the clean & jerk with 100 kg. FANG Wan-Ling (TPE) delivered a perfect series, raising 95, 100, and 103 kg. With three successful lifts, she showed excellent consistency and closed with a strong 103 kg.
The podium battle came alive as the top names entered. SUKCHAROEN Thanyathon (THA) was composed on the platform, making her first two lifts at 107 and 110 kg. She pushed for 113 on her final attempt, but the bar proved too heavy, leaving her with 110 kg as her best.
MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) thrilled her fans with one of the most composed performances of the session, going three-for-three at 109, 112, and 115 kg, securing silver position overall.
Clean & Jerk Medalists
🥇 RI Song Gum – 122 kg (World Record)
🥈 MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) – 115 kg
🥉 LI Shumiao (CHN) – 111 kg
Total Results: The First Champions Crowned
MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) steadied herself after missing twice at 87 in the snatch, holding on with 84 kg. In the clean & jerk, she came alive, going three-for-three with 109, 112, and 115 kg, finishing on a high note with 199 kg in total and earning the silver medal.
SUKCHAROEN Thanyathon (THA) claimed the bronze medal, lifting 88/110 for 198 kg, just one kilo behind Chanu, after strong snatches and two good clean & jerks.
Podium – Women’s 48 kg Total
🥇 RI Song Gum – 213 kg (91/122, 4× World Records)
🥈 MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) – 199 kg (84/115)
🥉 SUKCHAROEN Thanyathon (THA) – 198 kg (88/111)
Full Results
Records and Surprises
4 New World Records:
RI Song Gum rewrote the record books, setting four new world marks — Clean & Jerk at 120 kg, Clean & Jerk at 122 kg, Total at 211 kg, and Total at 213 kg.
Chanu’s Near Miss:
MIRABAI Chanu Saikhom (IND) lifted brilliantly in the clean & jerk, going all the way to 115 kg, but finished just one kilo short of equaling her long-standing 116 kg career best. Her sharp technique and resilience still brought huge energy from the crowd.
China’s Debutants Battle:
Both ZHU Qiulian (CHN) and LI Shumiao (CHN) showed strong lifts in their first World Championships, though they fell short of the podium. ZHU managed 83/105 for 188 kg, while LI posted 80/111 for 191 kg, both establishing themselves as names to watch in the future.
Taipei Drama:
LIN Cheng Jing (TPE) created one of the most emotional moments of the day. After two misses at 78 kg in the snatch, she was on the brink of bombing out — but on her final attempt, she steadied herself and saved the lift, drawing one of the loudest ovations of the entire session.
Closing Thoughts
The women’s 48 kg session reminded everyone why this weight class is so beloved: lightning-fast lifts, technical precision, and dramatic swings of fortune.
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Author: Hladkova Vladyslava
Media Team Member
Best Results: Snatch – 57 kg,
C&J – 73 kg
I’m Vladyslava, and sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the past 10 years, I’ve explored it all – from CrossFit and powerlifting to running a half marathon. But my true passion found its home in Olympic weightlifting.
I’m proud to be a Ukrainian Weightlifting Champion (2018) and a prize winner of national championships in 2018–2019. My best lifts? A 57 kg snatch and a 73 kg clean & jerk in the 51 kg weight class. I’m also a Candidate for Master of Sports in weightlifting – and I’m still chasing new goals every day.
Beyond training, I’ve earned two Master’s degrees: one in Sport Management and another in Physical Education. Whether I’m lifting a barbell or helping others grow in sport, I’m all in – because for me, sport isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.