Weightlifter Nguyen Thanh Duy breaks Asian youth record, wins Vietnam’s first gold at Asian Youth Games 2025

Vietnamese weightlifter Nguyen Thanh Duy made history at the Asian Youth Games 2025 by clinching the country’s first gold medal and setting a new Asian youth record in the men’s 65kg clean and jerk category.

Competing in an intense final session on the evening of October 27, the young lifter from Khanh Hoa showcased outstanding strength and composure. After finishing fourth in the snatch event, Thanh Duy entered the clean and jerk segment with confidence and determination. On his decisive lift, he successfully conquered 156kg, setting a new Asian youth record and surpassing his regional peers.

His closest rival, a lifter from China, attempted 157kg in his final lift but failed to complete it, confirming Thanh Duy’s gold medal triumph. The victory not only brought pride to Vietnamese weightlifting but also marked a significant breakthrough for the national delegation at this year’s Games.

In this year’s weightlifting competition, medals are awarded separately for snatch and clean and jerk in each weight category, increasing medal opportunities for participating countries. Thanh Duy took full advantage of this format to claim a well-deserved gold for Vietnam.

With Thanh Duy’s record-breaking achievement, Vietnam earned its first gold medal after four days of competition at the Asian Youth Games 2025. Prior to this historic win, the Vietnamese delegation had collected five silver medals and six bronze medals across various sports such as golf, athletics, taekwondo, muay thai, and weightlifting.

Thanh Duy’s success has boosted the morale of the entire Vietnamese team, inspiring young athletes to continue striving for excellence as the Games progress. The weightlifter’s remarkable performance not only set a continental benchmark but also reaffirmed Vietnam’s growing presence in youth sports across Asia.