North Korean weightlifter Ri Song-gum delivered a historic performance at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, setting three new world records en route to claiming a gold medal for her country on September 23. The 28-year-old athlete showcased incredible strength and precision, achieving new global benchmarks in the Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and overall total weight categories.
Ri successfully lifted 94 kg in the Snatch and followed it with an impressive 121 kg in the Clean and Jerk. This culminated in a combined total of 215 kg, with all three lifts surpassing existing world records in her weight class. This dominant display secured a gold medal for North Korea, marking a significant early success for the nation at the Games.
Sharing the podium in the same event were India’s Mirabai Chanu Saikhom, who earned the silver medal with a total lift of 198 kg, and Indonesia’s Nancy Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana, who took home the bronze with a total weight of 191 kg.
Beyond her immediate triumph, Ri Song-gum’s victory marked several significant milestones. She became the first athlete to win a gold medal for North Korea at the 2026 Asian Games. Furthermore, this achievement cemented her place in history as the first female athlete to secure three consecutive weightlifting gold medals at the prestigious Asian Games, having previously topped the podium in 2018 and 2023. Her recent successes also include gold medals at the World Championships in both 2024 and 2025, underscoring her consistent excellence on the international stage.
