Tashkent: "Ploy" Natcha Kaewnoi showcased her strength and determination by securing two gold medals and one bronze medal in the girls' 53 kg youth weightlifting category at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships.
According to Thai News Agency, the competition witnessed exceptional performances from the Thai weightlifting team, which had already bagged two gold medals and one silver medal from "Noon" Narumon Wonghachak in the girls' 49 kg junior category. On August 9th, 2026, the spotlight turned to "Ploy" Natcha Kaewnoi in the girls' 53 kg junior category, Group A, as she aimed to add to Thailand's medal tally.
In the snatch lift, Natcha faced challenges, failing her first attempt at 81 kg. Demonstrating resilience, she successfully lifted 82 kg on her second try. Despite a setback at 85 kg, Natcha's personal best of 82 kg earned her a bronze medal. The clean and jerk event saw Natcha's determination pay off as she successfully lifted 101, 104, and 107 kilograms, securing a gold medal with her personal best of 107 kilograms. Her combined efforts in both events resulted in a total weight of 189 kilograms, fetching her another gold medal.
In the same category, Jody Peralta from the Philippines clinched a gold medal in the snatch with 86 kg and a silver in the total weight category with 188 kg. Shabnam Kerimbayeva of Turkmenistan earned two silver medals for her snatch lift of 83 kg and clean and jerk of 103 kg, along with a bronze in the total weight category with 186 kg. Vietnam's Lien Y. secured a bronze medal in the clean and jerk with 102 kg.
The Thai team also saw commendable performances in the Boys' 65 kg Group B category, where Mr. Nattakit Ngamwilai achieved a snatch record of 110 kg, a clean and jerk record of 130 kg, and a total weight of 240 kg. In the Junior Boys' 65 kg Group B category, Mr. Panudech Panakorn recorded a snatch of 106 kg, a clean and jerk of 140 kg, and a total weight of 246 kg.
To date, Thai weightlifters have accumulated four gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal in the championship.
Upcoming schedules for Thai athletes include Mr. Nantawut Puangbubpha and Mr. Kongla Phromduangsri competing on August 10, 2026, in the Boys' Junior and Youth 75 kg Group B categories, respectively. Ms. Yaowaret Permkaew will compete in the Girls' Youth 61 kg Group A on the same day. Further events include Mr. Wichaya Prathumta on August 11, 2026, in the Boys' Youth 70 kg Group A, and on August 12, 2026, Mr. Prasit Chomdejpichaya will compete in Men's Youth 95 kg Group B, while Ms. Natthanicha Karaked will take part in Women's Youth 69 kg Group A.