China and North Korea sweep all medals on opening day of 2026 World Weightlifting Championships

The 2026 World Weightlifting Championships began on October 27 in Ningbo, China. Medals in the men’s 60 kg category were contested on the opening day, with athletes from China and North Korea claiming every podium place in the total and both individual lifts.

China’s Yang Yang became the first world champion of the competition, posting a 304 kg total with 136 kg in the snatch and 168 kg in the clean and jerk. The home lifter also won gold in the snatch and bronze in the clean and jerk.

North Korea’s Pang Un Chol took silver in the total with 300 kg (130+170). His compatriot Pak In Song finished with the same total of 300 kg (129+171) but placed third in the final standings.

Pak In Song delivered the best performance in the clean and jerk, successfully lifting 171 kg.

Results from day one of the 2026 World Weightlifting Championships

Men’s 60 kg

Total:

1. Yang Yang (China) — 304 kg (136+168).

2. Pang Un Chol (North Korea) — 300 kg (130+170).

3. Pak In Song (North Korea) — 300 kg (129+171).

Snatch:

1. Yang Yang (China) — 136 kg.

2. Pang Un Chol (North Korea) — 130 kg.

3. Pak In Song (North Korea) — 129 kg.

Clean and jerk:

1. Pak In Song (North Korea) — 171 kg.

2. Pang Un Chol (North Korea) — 170 kg.

3. Yang Yang (China) — 168 kg.

Medals in the men’s 65 kg category will be contested on October 28, with Garnik Cholakyan competing as part of Armenia’s national team.