Ian Delos Santos delivers bronze in Asian Games weightlifting

Albert Ian Delos Santos made a stellar Asian Games debut, notching a bronze medal in the men’s 70-kilogram weightlifting competition on Sept. 26, 2026, at Fukiage Hall in Nagoya, Japan.

Fresh off a hat trick of gold medals at the 2026 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships, the 20-year-old prodigy picked up where he left off and never lost a step, even in his first quadrennial meet.

“Grabe yung pressure na binibigay ko sa sarili ko,” Delos Santos said.

“I’m so grateful and the team behind me is so supportive, so I am also thankful to them. It’s been rough, but I just wanted to do this for them.”

Delos Santos wrapped up his Asian Games stint with 141 kg in the snatch and 183 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 324 kg, which was enough to land him a podium finish.

Tense moments heightened the thrilling clean and jerk category after Delos Santos decided to top his initial lift of 181 kg, increasing the weight to 183 kg for his final attempt.

Taking the gold medal in the 20th edition of the Asian Games was North Korea’s Ri Won-ju, who tallied an overall score of 349 kg, including a new world record in the clean and jerk with 198 kg.

Home bet Masanori Miyamoto snagged the silver medal, lifting 154 kg in the snatch and 188 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 342 kg.

“This is for you guys,” Delos Santos added.

“2026 has been so messy, but it gave me a sense of confidence. I am just so grateful to at least get a bronze.”

On the other hand, fellow Filipino weightlifters Rosegie Ramos and Elreen Ando delivered convincing runs in the women’s division but missed out on at least a bronze medal, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.