Aqilah clinches historic silver in Commonwealth Games weightlifting

Siti Aqilah Farhana Draman made history for Malaysia at the Commonwealth Games 2026, clinching a silver medal in the +86kg weightlifting event. This marks the first time a Malaysian female weightlifter has achieved this feat at the Commonwealth Games.

The 20-year-old athlete from Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, lifted a total of 253kg, comprising 113kg in the snatch and 140kg in the clean and jerk. This performance not only secured her the silver medal but also broke her own national record and set a new personal best.

Aqilah expressed surprise at her success, having not set high expectations for herself. "I really didn't expect to win. If I had a target, it might have been bronze, but I didn't expect to get silver. The difference with gold wasn't too far off. God willing, in four years, I want to aim for the gold medal," she said.

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I really didn't expect to win. If I had a target, it might have been bronze, but I didn't expect to get silver. The difference with gold wasn't too far off. God willing, in four years, I want to aim for the gold medal.

England's Emily Campbell won the gold medal with a Games record of 278kg, while Canada's Etta Mae Love took bronze with 250kg. Aqilah's silver medal surpasses the previous best for Malaysian female weightlifters at the Commonwealth Games, which were two bronze medals.

Datuk Ayub Rahmat, President of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation, highlighted the success as proof of the capability of local coaches. "This success is clear proof that local coaches have the ability to produce world-class athletes when given the space, trust, and adequate support," he stated.

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This success is clear proof that local coaches have the ability to produce world-class athletes when given the space, trust, and adequate support.