Riyadh, Nov 09 (V7N) — Bangladesh secured a bronze medal in weightlifting at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In the women’s 53 kg category, Marzia Akter Iqra lifted a total of 163 kg, combining 72 kg in the snatch and 92 kg in the clean and jerk. Iqra’s performance earned her the bronze medal among eight competitors.

Turkey’s Kansel topped the podium with a total lift of 188 kg, taking the gold medal, while Indonesia’s Baslila claimed silver with 174 kg. Azerbaijan’s Sejan lifted 167 kg, finishing fourth, just four kilograms behind Iqra.

At the previous Islamic Solidarity Games held in Konya, Turkey, Bangladesh had won medals in archery. However, archery and shooting were not included in the Riyadh edition, lowering expectations for the country’s medal tally. Against this backdrop, Iqra’s bronze in weightlifting came as a significant achievement.

On Saturday, two other Bangladeshi weightlifters competed. Risti competed in the 48 kg category, finishing fifth, while Ashikur Rahman Taj placed sixth in the 60 kg category. On Sunday, two-time gold medalist female weightlifter Mabiya Akter Simanta is scheduled to compete.

END/WD/SMA/