Lao weightlifters raise the bar

The national Lao weightlifting team is confident of success at the 25th SEA Games next month after a solid performance at a warm-up event held at Phonesavanh School last Wednesday.

The team has been training at the school's indoor stadium, located near the National University of Laos Dongdok campus, since February and have also attended two international competitions in neighbouring countries this year.

The indoor stadium will be used to host the weightlifting events at the games.

The national squad is being coached by Thai trainers and Wednesday's event was a chance to see just how far they had progressed in their quest for SEA Games glory.

The contest saw male weightlifters competing in the 62, 69, 77, 85 and 94kg weight divisions and female lifters in the 53, 68, 69 and over 69kg categories.

All lifters tried to improve on their personal best records and boost their confidence heading into the games on their home territory.

The event also provided an opportunity to test the readiness of organising officials from the Lao Weightlifting Federation (LWF), including technical committees, announcers, presenters, volunteers, and the stadium's facilities.

The federation held a medal presentation ceremony for the winners as a practice run for the games next month. LWF President and Director General of Lao Telecommunications Company, M r Thansamay Kommasith, said some minor adjustments will be made as a result of the warm-up event, but the federation is now confident it is fully prepared to host a successful contest during the SEA Games

This year will be the first time Lao weightlifters have competed in the SEA Games.

Mr Thansamay said it is a new event for Lao lifters and the federation would like all Lao people to attend and support the team.

Lao Telecommunications Company has provided 24 billion kip in support for all of the 25 Lao national squads competing in the games, including 300 million kip for the weightlifting team.

“We will present a cash prize of 30 million kip to every Lao gold medal winner, and other medallists will also receive rewards,” said Mr Thansamay.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
(Latest Update Novembe 27, 2009)