Asian Games is the Target for Weightlifter Aniq

Malaysian weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan is shifting his focus from his Commonwealth Games gold medal win to the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this September. The 24-year-old athlete aims to secure a medal and set a new national record at the prestigious Asian competition.

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There is no real holiday. Even though I return to Johor, I will still train because the next competition is the Asian Games.

Aniq's break will be brief, with only about a week planned with his family in Segamat before he returns to rigorous training. "There is no real holiday. Even though I return to Johor, I will still train because the next competition is the Asian Games," he stated upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. He acknowledged that the competition in Japan will be significantly more challenging, as he will face Olympic-level athletes. However, he remains optimistic about his chances of bringing home a medal for Malaysia.

"I want to improve my national record and do my best. All my challengers are Olympic-level athletes, but I will still try to win a medal," Aniq said. He was the champion in the 60kg category, having secured Malaysia's first gold medal in Glasgow by defending his title with a total lift of 273kg. He also set a new Games record with a 152kg clean and jerk.

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I want to improve my national record and do my best. All my challengers are Olympic-level athletes, but I will still try to win a medal.

Despite his focus on the Asian Games, Aniq expressed his eagerness to enjoy his mother's home cooking upon returning to his hometown. "The first thing I want is my mother's cooking. In Turkey, our breakfast was usually bread and European food. When I get back, I want to eat soto, fried noodles, and all the local food I miss so much," he shared. The Asian Games will be his last appearance in the 60kg category before he moves up to the 65kg class as part of his campaign to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

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The first thing I want is my mother's cooking. In Turkey, our breakfast was usually bread and European food. When I get back, I want to eat soto, fried noodles, and all the local food I miss so much.