Asian Weightlifting Championships 2025 Recap: DJURAEV Akbar Secures Dominant Victory in Men’s 109 kg

The penultimate men’s session at the 2025 Asian Weightlifting Championships in Jiangshan brought together a stacked field in the 109 kg category. With strong representation from Central Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia, the battle for the podium promised intensity — and the athletes delivered.

It was Uzbekistan’s DJURAEV Akbar who ultimately stole the show, sweeping gold in a display of confidence and class.

The men’s 109 kg division remains one of the most competitive on the Asian stage, frequently featuring battles between powerhouses like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Korea.

This year’s start list boasted seasoned veterans like DJURAEV, and promising contenders such as AMRIDDINOV Sharofiddin. With the world record total still distant at 435 kg, there was no realistic push for history, but the duel for gold remained as fierce as ever.

Meet the Athletes

• DJURAEV Akbar (UZB): Olympic champion and clear favorite, known for composure and clean technique.
• AMRIDDINOV Sharofiddin (UZB): Rising teammate of DJURAEV, already a threat internationally.
• JANG Yeonhak (KOR): Veteran from Korea with reliable big-stage experience.
• ALKHAZAL Ali (KSA): Saudi Arabia’s top heavy lifter, competitive in both lifts.
• SEO Huiyeop (KOR): Experienced but often overshadowed by his teammates.
• DONG Bing Cheng (TPE): Taiwanese lifter looking to challenge for 5th-6th place.
• HAMADA Mohammed K H (PLE) and ALSALLAJ Asem (JOR): Represented emerging weightlifting nations and delivered respectable performances.

Snatch Recap: Clean Execution and Steady Progress

The snatch session began with methodical lifting from lower-ranked athletes. ALSALLAJ opened at 155 kg, eventually sticking with that number. HAMADA, after two solid lifts, finished with 166 kg.

In the middle of the pack, DONG Bing Cheng hit 168 kg, while SEO Huiyeop settled at 160 kg. ALKHAZAL lifted 175 kg to stay in the hunt for bronze.

At the top, it was an all-Uzbek battle. AMRIDDINOV looked comfortable going 173/177/181 kg. DJURAEV, however, had a calm progression: 180, then 183 kg, and tried 189 kg but unfortunately failed..

Snatch Medals:

• 🥇 DJURAEV Akbar (UZB) – 183 kg
• 🥈 AMRIDDINOV Sharofiddin (UZB) – 181 kg
• 🥉 JANG Yeonhak (KOR) – 178 kg

Snatch Full Results Table:

Clean & Jerk Recap: Power and Precision

The clean & jerk saw multiple battles across the board. ALSALLAJ finished with 190 kg, while HAMADA added 185 kg for a solid 351 kg total. DONG lifted 200 kg to keep himself competitive.

The real drama unfolded in the race for the podium between SEO Huiyeop, JANG Yeonhak, ALKHAZAL Ali, and AMRIDDINOV Sharofiddin. AMRIDDINOV and ALKHAZAL opened conservatively at 205 kg and 206 kg, while JANG and SEO went higher with 209 kg and 210 kg, respectively. But as the bar moved into the 214–218 kg range, it became clear those numbers would prove out of reach for most.

ALKHAZAL and JANG both posted 212 kg, but since Ali lifted it first, he claimed the bronze medal. AMRIDDINOV delivered three precise and composed lifts, finishing with 214 kg and securing the silver — an impressive performance that highlighted how mental discipline and technical sharpness can outshine brute power.

At the top of the field, DJURAEV stood alone. Unchallenged, he lifted 217 kg and 223 kg with ease—9 kg above his closest rival — before electing to skip his final attempt, having already made his dominance clear.

Clean & Jerk Medals:

• 🥇 DJURAEV Akbar (UZB) – 223 kg
• 🥈 AMRIDDINOV Sharofiddin (UZB) – 214 kg
• 🥉 ALKHAZAL Ali (KSA) – 212 kg

Clean & Jerk Results Table:

Total Results: Triple Gold for DJURAEV

With a 183/223 performance, DJURAEV posted 406 kg total — more than enough to secure gold by 11 kilos. AMRIDDINOV completed the Uzbek 1-2 with 395 kg, while JANG earned Korea a well-deserved bronze.

Total Medal Recap:

🥇 DJURAEV Akbar (UZB) – 406 kg (183/223)
🥈 AMRIDDINOV Sharofiddin (UZB) – 395 kg (181/214)
🥉 JANG Yeonhak (KOR) – 390 kg (178/212)

Full Total Results:

Highlights and Commentary

Commentators were unanimous in their praise for DJURAEV’s professionalism. Despite the clear margin, he chose to conserve energy rather than chase records. AMRIDDINOV was seen as a true heir apparent, showing fire and confidence. JANG’s bronze was celebrated as Korea’s return to the men’s 109 kg podium.

Though no records were broken, the session exemplified the strength of Uzbekistan’s team.

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