LSN News › Malaysia

World · Malaysia Bureau

North Korean weightlifter Ri sets three world records at Asian Games

Ri Song Gum, standing just 140 centimetres tall, claimed three Asian Games gold medals while setting world records in the process. The achievement places the North Korean athlete in an exclusive group of only four weightlifters to win three Asian Games golds.

LSN Malaysia · 23 September 2026

North Korean weightlifter Ri sets three world records at Asian Games

The diminutive North Korean weightlifter demonstrated remarkable strength and technical prowess at the Asian Games, securing victories across multiple categories while simultaneously breaking world records in each discipline.

At 140 centimetres in height, Ri's achievement is particularly noteworthy given the physical demands of competitive weightlifting. The athlete's performance underscores the sport's diversity, with competitors of varying body types excelling through technique, training and determination.

Ri's three gold medals place the North Korean in an elite category of weightlifters who have achieved multiple Asian Games victories. Membership in this exclusive club is reserved for athletes who have demonstrated sustained excellence across multiple competitions and weight categories.

The world records set during the competition further cement Ri's status as one of the sport's premier competitors. These achievements add to North Korea's medal tally at the Asian Games, highlighting the nation's strength in weightlifting as both a competitive pursuit and point of national pride.

Ri's success represents a significant moment for the sport, demonstrating that elite athletic performance transcends physical stature when combined with technical mastery and rigorous training programmes.